New Orleans Pelicans: Predicting season stats for the centers

The New Orleans Pelicans made some big changes to their roster this offseason that they hope will be enough to get them into the playoffs.

It won’t be easy, as they will have to overtake several teams in the standings and the Western Conference is going to be even more competitive next season.

There is debate about whether the Pelicans have improved this offseason overall, but most fans and media agree that they will be better at the center position.

The Pelicans swapped Steven Adams for Jonas Valanciunas, who is not only a much better offensive player but also a better fit stylistically with Zion Williamson.

They should also get internal improvement from Jaxson Hayes and Willie Hernangomez provides a valuable insurance policy.

Here are my predictions about the stats for each of the Pels’ centers this season, along with some reasons why.

New Orleans Pelicans: Season stat predictions for the Centers

Willy Hernangomez

Last season: 7.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists

Next season: 5 points, 5 rebounds, .6 assists

I think Hernangomez will take a step back statistically next season simply because he will play less. Hernangomez played 18 minutes per game last season after having to be inserted into the starting lineup when Adams was injured.

He also played a lot when Hayes was benched due to ineffectiveness, but Jaxson came on late and looks like a player who will have a breakout season.

This isn’t a knock on Hernangomez, who is a solid third center, but Hayes has a chance to be much more and will get more minutes next season.

Jaxson Hayes

Last season: 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and .6 blocks

Next season: 11 points, 7.5 rebounds 1.2 blocks

Hayes only played 16.1 minutes per game on average last season and I expect that to jump into the 20’s this season.

Hayes really came on down the stretch and put together some great games, including the last six where he scored in double digits.

He showed that he can be a disruptive defender, blocking six shots against the Hornets, and even showed improved range on his shot.

Jaxson Hayes will have a bigger role and will hopefully make the most of it by nearly doubling his stats.

Jonas Valanciunas

Last season: 17.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists

Next season: 17 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 asissts

Jonas Valanciunas had a fantastic season for the Grizzlies last year and I expect him to be equally effective for the Pelicans but in different ways.

I think his points will stay about the same, as he could emerge as the Pelicans third scoring option and will benefit from the attention given to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

But I think he will get them in different ways, shooting more 3-point shots and taking on more of a Brook Lopez type role for the Pels. I also think he’ll be a bigger part of the passing and will rack up a couple of more assists even though his rebounds will go down as he moves further away from the rim.

The New Orleans Pelicans will be better at center and even more importantly, their players will take on new roles that better suit their stars.