Pelicans starting lineup: Josh Hart or Nickeil Alexander-Walker?
New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup: The case for Josh Hart
I think it’s fair to say that Nickeil Alexander-Walker has the higher ceiling of these two players, but Josh Hart still has a compelling case as a starter.
He played starter’s minutes last season even though he came off the bench and was a key part of the Pelicans’ rotation. The Pels’ chances at the play-in tournament were essentially over when Hart injured his thumb and had to miss the final 25 games of the season.
Related Story. This is the best part of the Josh Hart contract. light
Hart is a versatile defender who can cover several spots, so he can take on tough small forward assignments if necessary.
He is also one of the best guard rebounders in the NBA, which takes some the pressure off Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram on the glass.
Hart did not shoot the 3-ball well last season, but he is well aware of that and will spend this offseason working on his shot.
If Hart can hit closer to 40 percent of his long-range shots, he would be a perfect fit in the starting lineup, as he does pretty much everything else the Pelicans’ need right now.
But Hart could be equally effective off the bench and is used to that role, which is why you can make a case for NAW as well.