New Orleans Pelicans: 3 positional battles to watch in preseason
New Orleans Pelicans: The battle for starting guard
Nickeil Alexander-Walker vs. Josh Hart vs. Naji Marshall vs. Trey Murphy III
When I predicted the Pelicans starting lineup Nickeil Alexander-Walker was in the backcourt with Devonte’ Graham at point guard.
We know Zion Williamson is going to be the one playing some version of point guard most of the time and Brandon Ingram will handle the ball a lot as well, which gives the Pelicans a lot of options in the backcourt.
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I think Graham and NAW are the frontrunners for those spots now, but I think we’ll see a lot of different combinations early in the season as coach Green tries to figure out how all of these parts fit together
If Josh Hart improves his shooting, I could see him getting a starting role, though he seems to be comfortable coming off the bench and has done well in that role. Trey Murphy III also has a case, as he is already one of the Pels’ best shooters and could benefit from playing with Zion and B.I.
Naji Marshall could move into a small forward role in a “jumbo” starting lineup, pushing Ingram to the two, which might be my personal favorite combination.
The Pelicans have a lot of potential and versatility with this group and it’s going to be fun to watch how it all comes together.
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