The playoffs are underway, and the Pelicans are home watching and wondering how they are not there.
Memphis’ play-in win over Golden State highlighted the promise associated with New Orleans. Although they are spectators this season, the future is bright. The vast talent across all positions brings hope.
This year wasn’t their year to make a splash, but next year could and should be. Nickeil Alexander-Walker‘s development this year is understated. A long guard who struggled in his rookie year exploded onto the scene and now shows that he is a starting calibre guard.
The offensive skills and defense are there, all he needs are some slight refinements, and he can become a borderline All-Star as soon as next season.
Watching similar players on the biggest stage and learning from them will help get him there.
Here are three guys he should watch.
Pelicans: Players for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to study- Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
The newly crowned sixth man of the year has had an unforgettable season. Averaging a career-high in points, free throw percentage and shot attempts, Clarkson shook his previous reputation of an inefficient gunner.
The wiry guard’s body is similar to that of Alexander-Walker, and their game is very similar. No doubt Alexander-Walker is already lightyears ahead of Clarkson defensively, but offensively the style of play is there.
Albeit a more willing finisher inside, Alexander-Walker and Clarkson score most of their points behind the arc, with Alexander-Walker attempting 47.8 percent and Clarkson 55.7 percent of their shots from behind the arc. As well, their assist percentage is similar and on-court. It is evident both are at their best as secondary ball-handlers, scoring and penetrating off the weakside.
When watching Clarkson, Alexander-Walker should see how he creates space and utilises his size against smaller matchups.
Pelicans: Players for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to study- Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns
When thinking of Mikal Bridges, the first thing that pops into my head is a hard-nosed durable 3-and-D stopper. The third-year man out of Villanova has become an essential piece to the Suns this year.
In his first full season as a starter, Bridges regularly guards the best player every night and will match up with LeBron James throughout the series. Both he and NAW are billed at 6-foot-6 and roughly 205 pounds. The size similarities are uncanny. Defensively, Bridges holds himself to a level Alexander-Walker needs to reach if he and the New Orleans Pelicans want to make a deep playoff run.
With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram not projecting to be defensive stoppers, Alexander-Walker and Lonzo Ball seem like apparent fits to share the mantle of defensive stoppers. But, watching Bridges, these playoffs should personify Alexander-Walker the idea that he can be an elite defender.
Whilst some of Bridges’ defensive tendencies are naturally better than Alexander-Walker, Bridges fights tooth and nail, whoever the assignment is. That grit and determination are what Alexander-Walker needs to take away. All the other intangibles and understanding will come with time, but the fight and ‘dog’ mentality is what will push Alexander-Walker over the edge.
Pelicans: Players for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to study- Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
On a surface level, Young and Alexander-Walker don’t have many similarities. This is true. The young Hawks point guard’s role and game is vastly different. What Young brings at his age, and what Alexander-Walker should look at when playing, is the mentality.
Sure, the incredible shooting and passing are great. But, beyond that, Trae’s mentality and ego is one young players need when making their playoff debuts. The fearless nature of the Atlanta’s point guard is absurd. So often, Young thinks he is the best player on the court and carries himself that way.
Never shy to take a big shot or have a big moment, when comparing his debut to Julius Randle’s, the difference is extraordinary. It seemed at times that Randle was overwhelmed and frightened of the bigger spotlight. Not Trae Young. Young stepped up to the plate and delivered in incredible fashion. Between Ball, Williamson, Ingram and Alexander-Walker, none seem like the verbal leader who will shush crowds and talk trash. Alexander-Walker can be that guy.
That self-confidence and belief will not only do wonders for himself but will rejuvenate and energise a team that looked lackluster throughout this season.