New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the 5 best defenders on the roster

New Orleans Pelicans best defenders #2: Josh Hart

Josh Hart did struggle defensively at times last season but that is only because the Pels were asking him to defend power forwards and centers half the time.

With more lengthy wings on the roster this season, Hart should get back to guarding his natural positions, which are shooting guard and small forward.

He was the Pels’ hustle and effort guy last season and I expect him to do it again, but in a much more comfortable role.

New Orleans Pelicans best defenders #1: Naji Marshall

Marshall is another versatile defender who is symbolic of how the Pelicans are trying to change their culture.

He gives max effort at all times and has shown that he can guard just about everyone on the floor. I could definitely see him averaging at least one block and one steal per game next season as a defensive specialist who takes some of the pressure off Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

The New Orleans Pelicans are clearly going into next season with a lot of question marks on the defensive end, but all of these guys have the physical and mental makeup to be plus defenders who will hopefully push the Pels to the next level.