The New Orleans Pelicans have lost three players from last season’s starting lineup and at least one of those spots is still up for grabs.
It’s likely that Jonas Valanciunas and Devonte’ Graham will take the center and point guard positions left vacant by the trades of Steven Adams and Lonzo Ball.
That leaves Eric Bledsoe’s spot at shooting guard and the Pelicans have a number of options.
We could see some more new faces in the starting lineup, but it’s more likely to be occupied by one of two players from last year’s roster who are looking for expanded roles.
Pelicans starting lineup: Keep Kira Lewis Jr. on the bench
There have been widespread reports that one of the reasons Stan Van Gundy was fired and that the Pels were turned down by one coaching option, is that David Griffin insisted that Kira Lewis Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker be inserted into the starting lineup.
This was reported by Bleacher Report among others, but I have no idea if Griffin actually made those demands or not.
I think there are compelling reasons to bring Kira Lewis Jr. off the bench, primarily that he doesn’t yet seem ready for an greatly expanded role.
He has shot the ball poorly both last season and in Summer League and Devonte’ Graham offers a much more experienced hand in addition to better shooting around Zion Williamson in the starting five.
That still leaves starting shooting guard and there are two guys who will battle for that spot in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Hart.