The New Orleans Pelicans were blown out by the Chicago Bulls after getting down early and never getting back into the game.
If you only looked at the statistics, you’d think the Pelicans had a chance, as they shot the ball well, especially from long range, but so did the Bulls, who ran all over the Pels, scoring 27 points off 17 New Orleans’ turnovers.
It was an ugly first half for the Pelicans, who do not look comfortable in the half court offense without star Zion Williamson.
This was to be expected, so don’t panic. This team was built around Zion, so without him, the offense simply doesn’t work.
But there are some positive signs that will change when he returns. Even though the New Orleans Pelicans were blown out, there were some bright spots.
New Orleans Pelicans: The shooting has improved
We spent a good deal of the offseason wondering if the Pelicans had improved their shooting and so far the answer is yes.
The Pels shot 51 percent from long range vs. the Bulls after shooting 43 percent in the opening night loss to the 76ers.
As I said earlier, the offense is not going to function well in the half court without Zion, as his gravity is what sets off the action and opens space for shooters.
But it’s a good sign that the Pelicans are knocking down shots without their star, as those shots are going to be a lot more open when he returns.
I know fans aren’t happy about the 0-2 start, but the Pelicans hot shooting is a good sign that this team will turn it around.
New Orleans Pelicans: Herb Jones was a steal in the second round
Herb Jones got his first start for the New Orleans Pelicans and played well, posting the highest +/- on the team.
I was hoping to see more of the young players, as now is a great time to get them reps and build their confidence for Zion’s return.
Jones’ numbers aren’t going to jump out at you, but if you watched the game you saw a guy who was active defensively and who gave the Pelicans a boost of energy in the starting lineup.
Jones is especially good at using his length to disrupt passing lanes and get his hands on the ball for deflections and steals.
Here he is getting a swipe and then running out for the easy dunk.
https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1451724155410272258
The Pelicans played atrocious defense for the most part but Herb Jones was a bright spot and already looks like one of the steals of the draft.
Trey Murphy III hasn’t gotten off to a great start for the Pelicans, but they have to be excited about he and Jones moving forward, as both look like perfect players to put around Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans: Devonte’ Graham’s shooting
One thing that has been overlooked so far in the two losses is that Devonte’ Graham has shot the ball really well and looks like he’s going to have a huge season for the Pels.
Graham has shot just under 60 percent from long range in the two losses, including hitting 6-of-11 last night.
This is another good sign, as he is currently playing outside of the role he will have once Zion comes back.
Graham has averaged 19.5 points and 5.5 assists in the two games so far, and if he can keep this up for a season is going to look like one of the best value contracts in the entire league.
Look, Lonzo Ball had a triple-double last night and was on the winning team, but he makes nearly twice as much as Graham, so for the money, give me Devonte’, which is not a knock on Lonzo, just simple dollars and cents.
The New Orleans Pelicans have had a disappointing start, but some of the gloom and doom I’ve seen is unwarranted, as they lost to two good teams without having their best player.
There have been some bright spots and once this team is at full strength, they are going to take off, so be patient.