Surprise, disappointment or on track? Category for each player on the Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans, surprise, disappointment or on tack? Starters

Herb Jones- Surprise!

Herb Jones has been the most pleasant surprise of the season, as the 2nd-round pick is playing like an All-Rookie and was recently ranked in the top-10 of his rookie class.

Herb is a lockdown defender already, has decent playmaking skills and looks like the perfect type of player to put around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Devonte’ Graham- On track

Graham has pretty much been putting up the same numbers as Lonzo Ball but at half the cost, which is what we expected. His game has flaws and he’s not a real point guard, but he is shooting and scoring at a decent clip. I expect his numbers are going to improve once Zion comes back, as he will thrive off the ball.

Jonas Valanciunas- Surprise!

I have to admit that I didn’t think JV was this good, so my apologies to the big man, as he’s been the Pelicans most consistent player. A double-double machine who has added a three-point shot to his bag, he looks like one of the best signings of the offseason and a guy who will fit perfectly with Zion.

Brandon Ingram- On track

BI has added some elements to his game and has improved in areas where he needed to, which is what I expected from a talented player who has a desire to be great and puts in the work. He’s not holding the ball as much, has improved his rebounding and his off the ball defense has been livelier this season, especially playing with Herb Jones.

Ingram dropped 40 in the loss against the Rockets and is a threat to go off every night. I’d still like him to dribble less but he is playing well.

Zion Williamson- Disappointment

He hasn’t played a single minute, has been cagey about his injury, hasn’t spoken to the press much and looks out of shape. Zion is going to come back and start dumping 30 a night at some point, but at this point in the season he’s been a disappointment in year three.