The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to make a leap as a team through some roster changes and internal development from their own guys.
They brought in Devonte’ Graham and Jonas Valanciunas to replace Lonzo Ball and Steven Adams, and hope rookie Trey Murphy III will be a big upgrade over Eric Bledsoe.
But they are also looking for improvement from the guys they already have, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kira Lewis Jr. and Jaxson Hayes.
Of the three, NAW seems the most likely for dramatic improvement, as he has shown signs of stardom in the past and got some valuable reps with the Canadian Olympic Team.
A recent video workout video emerged that showed NAW working on his shotmaking off the dribble and he appears to have added some weapons to his bag.
Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker is ready to make a leap
First off, this is only a workout video and we get sucked into these every offseason, so you can’t put too much stock in anything outside of real games.
Secondly, NAW has always been able to make tough shots, so this is not a complete surprise. The problem is that he is overly reliant on difficult shots to get his points. NAW has to improve his shot selection this season and not try so many high degree of difficulty shots that make him look like superstar when they are falling but are just bad shots when they aren’t.
All disclaimers aside, I have to say, Nickeil Alexander-Walker looks amazing in this clip:
https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1429254980200910851
He looks stronger and able to make space for himself. His handles look a little tighter and NAW is having no problem getting his shot off even through very tough contests by the defenders.
I’m not a big fan of the fadeaways, but I do like the that NAW is trying to get closer to the hoop before attempting them. He works his way into the paint before taking the fadeaway, which is a much higher percentage shot.
What I love the most is that he is working to get the basket on every attempt. This is something he needs to do when the games are real, as last season he settled for 3-point shots way too often when his game should be more around the rim and mid-range.
If NAW can get to the rim consistently he is going to open up a new element to the Pels’ offense, as they really didn’t have a penetrator other than Zion Williamson last season.
You can’t put too much stock in workout videos, but NAW is working on the right things and looks ready to take the next step as a player.