New Orleans Pelicans: 1 goal for each Pelican in the 2021-22 season
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a strange position heading into next season.
They will have one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, three new starters and a new head coach, so on one hand, it might be unrealistic to expect them to get a playoff spot in the super-competitive Western Conference.
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On the other, the team is desperate to build a winner around Zion Williamson, as they want him in New Orleans for the long term and winning is the best way to ensure that.
Team goals are achieved together but also as individuals, so here is one realistic goal for each member of the New Orleans Pelicans next season, starting with the guys on the fringes of the roster.
New Orleans Pelicans: 1 goal for the players on the fringe
Jose Alvarado: Make things difficult for the regulars
Jose Alvarado signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and will probably spend most of the season toiling for their G-League affiliate.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t make a difference. Alvarado is a disruptive on-the-ball defender who was a difference maker in Summer League as an annoying pest who made things difficult for the opponents.
I expect him to bring this same energy to training camp, where he can hound his teammates and push them to be better with his defensive energy and intensity.
Daulton Hommes: Push the forwards for minutes
If you don’t know who Daulton Hommes is you are not alone, as he is hardly a household name. He is the other two-way contract for the Pels and has a skillset that is much different than most of the other forwards on the roster, as Hommes can flat out shoot the 3-point shot.
If Herbert Jones or Trey Murphy III struggle, Hommes could get some minutes if he can knock down shots, so the goal for him this season is to push for those minutes and make it hard to keep him off the roster.