The New Orleans Pelicans have these 3 options for starting point guard

The New Orleans Pelicans will have a very different look next season, especially at point guard.

Both Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe are gone, so the Pels will roll with a new starting five that has more versatility and lineup options.

I think the Pelicans will use a variety of backcourts in the starting lineup and off the bench, and there are pros and cons to each of them.

Kira Lewis Jr. is poised to have an expanded role this season. Newly acquired guard Devonte’ Graham has the most experience and may be a better fit than Lonzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker has played some at the point as well.

We also have to keep in mind that Zion Williamson is likely to be the real point guard and shoulder a lot of the ball-handling duties, so whoever is paying the “point” is going to be playing off the ball as well.

Here are a few different backcourt combinations the New Orleans Pelicans could try this season and what I like and don’t like about each.

New Orleans Pelicans: Devonte’ Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker

If I had to guess, I’d say that Devonte’ Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be the starting backcourt when the Pelicans tip off the regular season.

Graham is used to playing off the ball, so shouldn’t have a problem playing alongside Zion and NAW is ready to make a big leap this season as a starting shooting guard.

This combination offers plenty of scoring, as Devonte’ Graham is very good at catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and NAW has the ability to break defenders down off the dribble.

Graham is not as good as Lonzo defensively, but he isn’t terrible, so the Pels’ overall defense shouldn’t take too big a hit.

This is the most likely option, but I think there are some other interesting combinations that will get consideration.