New Orleans Pelicans: What a successful 2021-22 season would look like

New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels need internal growth

While the external roster additions are going to get most of the attention, the New Orleans Pelicans need a lot of internal growth next season if they want to be successful.

The Pels were not a smart team this season, turned the ball over way too much, stunk in the clutch, blew a ton of leads and generally did not play high I.Q. basketball.

They had some glaring issues that need addressed.

If these players are still making the same mistakes next season then Stan Van Gundy will have a lot to answer for, as will David Griffin, who has not yet put the types of players around Zion Williamson that will help the team succeed.

The Pelicans’ two stars need to get better defensively, as all of the best teams’ best players are guys who can at least compete on both ends.

The Pelicans need to get tougher, smarter, better on defense and this will only happen if their young players improve, as they aren’t going to be able to make enough moves to get all of this from the outside.

Next year’s success depends on internal growth from the stars to the role players to the coach.