New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the 4 most likely All-Stars

How you view the New Orleans Pelicans’ off-season transactions will determine your optimism heading into the season. The franchise projects two new starters, Jonas Valančiūnas and Devonte’ Graham, and new role players Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple and Trey Murphy III. The roster does have some added depth that was missing at times last season and still has some star power at the top.

Will any of the New Orleans Pelicans make the All-Star team next season? We ranked four candidates from least to most likely.

New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the 4 most likely All-Stars

#4 – Jonas Valanciunas

The Lithuanian big man came off his best professional season in Memphis last year. Valanciunas averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds a game off a scorching 59% shooting. The post-scoring, bruising center showed his underrated value in the league. He regularly dominated small matchups and provided a coaching nightmare for opposing teams.

Valanciunas was traded for Steven Adams to provide a scoring threat that Adams did not give the New Orleans Pelicans. Opposing teams would match Zion Williamson up with centers to negate his elite post-scoring. With Valanciunas in the line-up, New Orleans will have a matchup advantage in the post. The gravity Williamson brings will only improve Valanciunas’ efficiency.

There is no doubt a 20/10 season would be required for Valanciunas to be an All-Star. New Orleans would also have to be a top-8 seed, which is not totally out of the question given all the new parts and the young core’s development, but with Valanciunas’ anchoring the starting unit, expect to hear some buzz come January.

#3 – Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Alexander-Walker’s time to shine is here. A modest rookie season where the Canadian looked overwhelmed and frankly not ready for the NBA was met with a sophomore season where Alexander-Walker took off. His ascension to starting status was somewhat surprising, considering how quickly it all came. His defensive intensity and skill-set increased as well as his shooting and scoring. His development became a sticking point for many fans as former coach Stan Van Gundy seemed hesitant to hand over the reins to Alexander-Walker and demote Eric Bledsoe to a bench role.

With Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball gone, Alexander-Walker’s name in the starting line-up is all but certain. In limited starts last year, Alexander-Walker proved to be a great fit alongside ball-dominant players. Averaging 19 points and 41% from the three-point line, the opportunities for Alexander-Walker will only increase as a starter. It seems more than likely that Alexander-Walker will be the third option and along with his improving defense, expect to see Alexander-Walker’s name in lights and as a longshot for the All-Star game.

#2 – Brandon Ingram

After his stunning debut season in New Orleans, where he was announced to his lone all-star game, Ingram had to adjust to a new coach and offensive system, heavily reliant on involving Williamson.

With Willie Green at the helm and a whole season under his belt playing with Williamson, Ingram is rightfully in a position to strive. A great shooter, ball-handler and finisher, the tools are all there for Ingram. The one thing missing, which prevented him from becoming a 2xAll-star is team success. Ingram has not yet been on a playoff team. Other than his one season with LeBron James, he has not been in a situation where winning is cultivated.

As one of the longest-tenured Pelicans on the roster, it is up to Ingram to set the tone and create an environment of winning and championship ambitions. A top-six Western Conference seed will all but assure Ingram of his second all-star berth.

#1 – Zion Williamson

Barring any injury that Williamson will be heading to the all-star game. He’s coming off an incredible season that cemented him as one of the best young players and the point-forward will continue to grow and develop. Williamson’s sights should not only be set on an all-star berth but mainly a starting spot and potentially a team captain.

Working under Fred Vinson will help further improve his shooting, as he already has shown promise compared to his rookie season. Under coach Green, he will have an opportunity to showcase his ball-handling abilities further as he projects to be used as the lead guard.