New Orleans Pelicans: Trying to find positives in Zion WIlliamson’s injury
New Orleans Pelicans: With Zion Williamson out, Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas will develop chemistry
Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas will be the focal points of the Pelicans’ offense with Zion Williamson on the bench.
This will give Ingram a chance to be more of a primary ball handler and facilitator in the offense and to develop a two-man game with Valanciunas which could be a weapon all season.
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Both guys shoot the ball well from the mid-range, so they are going to be tough to stop in the pick-and-roll. Ingram ran this play effectively with Steven Adams, who can’t shoot at all, so he should be even better with Valanciunas, who is more of an offensive threat.
Hopefully the Pelicans won’t rely on the BI/JV two-man game too much and that there is better ball movement without Zion, but this is a really good opportunity for the two to start developing chemistry.
The Pelicans can still have a dynamic offense if they play through Ingram and Valanciunas, keep the ball moving and get everyone involved.