The New Orleans Pelicans season ended dispassionately. Untimely injuries late to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram ended their slim chances at a play-in game. Although the hopes of the season evaporated before our eyes, there are takeaways from the stretch of play that will bring positivity amongst fans and staff.
One of the positives of losing your two best players is that you get to see how the other guys step up, so there were some things we learned while Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram were out.
New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker needs to start next season
Alexander-Walker returned to the lineup after an untimely stint on the sidelines. Players missing excessive games like Alexander-Walker tend to take some time to reacclimate, especially with a lower-body injury. However, this was not the case. The Canadian did not miss a step, leading the team in scoring and highlighting his upside he’s shown throughout the season.
The development of the sophomore cannot be understated. Alexander-Walker has continuously improved throughout the year, pressing Stan Van Gundy to shake up the rotations. Although the change did not happen, in his minutes as a starter, Alexander-Walker showed he belonged. Averaging over 20 points per game and shooting 40 percent plus from three, Alexander-Walker is the prototypical guard for the New Orleans Pelicans.
We’ve seen enough to indicate that starting him next season is the only option. Along with his tenacious offensive attitude, his defense is just as strong. Possessing active hands and an excellent understanding of perimeter defense, Alexander-Walker fits perfectly with any lead guard, especially Lonzo Ball.
New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. may take longer than anticipated
Change of pace guards in today’s NBA are a god-send for teams who utilize them properly. The dynamic guard out of Alabama possesses the court speed matched by few. Selecting Lewis Jr in the draft was executed to provide the defense with a different look compared to Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
The flashes are there, figuratively and literally. Few match Lewis Jr’s speed in the NBA. For stretches of games, he regularly looks like a rookie De’Aaron Fox or Collin Sexton. Recently, Lewis Jr has struggled after seemingly hitting the rookie wall. In a stretch where young players minutes are increasing, Lewis Jr’s are hovering roughly around his season averages.
There were minutes to be won with injuries to Williamson and Ingram, but he has shown to struggle in the current setting. More than anything, his shooting, which was heavily criticized entering the league, has fallen off.
The hope was by year two Lewis Jr could be the sixth man for the franchise. The recent production is not concerning given the lack of preseason and team practices, but year two may not be the breakout year we all hope.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxson Hayes’ Is a Future Star
Earlier this season, I wrote about Hayes’ emergence. Since then, Hayes has continued to grow on both ends of the court. Since the injuries, Hayes eye-catching play stands out amongst all the Pelicans’ young players. The athletic center’s game is miles beyond what it was. Along with the awe-inspiring dunks, Hayes has confidently shot the ball, converting on 42 percent of his threes.
As well, his defensive awareness mimics a young Rudy Gobert. Blocking two shots a game is the silver lining in a player capable of guarding on the perimeter and the interior. His activity has increased as well, averaging over one deflection a game.
There are still areas of growth with the young big. First, his defensive rebounding has to get better. But, other than that, the development shown is enough to believe he is ready for a starting role. Next to Williamson, Hayes and Williamson can become a young duo similar to early Lob-City.
In addition, Steven Adams’ lofty salary makes him an ideal trade candidate as the Kiwi center provides significant defensive upside for a young team (*ahem* Charlotte).
All in all, the disappointing regular season is almost over. A final go-around against the Lakers and New Orleans head into the off-season with plenty to work on, yet with much optimism. The talent showcased this year, in particular without their two stars, indicates that the team is ready to ascend into the upper-echelon in the NBA.