5 questions for the remainder of the New Orleans Pelicans’ season
5 questions for the New Orleans Pelicans to answer in final 23 games
#4: Which role player on the New Orleans Pelicans is going to step up?
The Pels’ starting lineup has been great all season, but their bench and depth have been a continuous problem.
None of the young players have consistently stepped up, and now that Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been traded, the focus is on Jaxson Hayes to be that guy.
He’s had mixed results all season, putting together a few good games, then disappearing for a stretch.
Same with Devonte’ Graham, who has mostly been steady but needs to make more shots for the Pels whether he is with the starters or coming off the bench.
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Jose Alvarado has been great, but it’s unclear how Graham’s move to the bench is going to affect his spot in the rotation, as it will be tough to play the two at the same time.
Neither Trey Murphy III or Naji Marshall have done much this season, but there are open wing minutes there for someone to seize.
The question is whether any of them are going to do it, as the Pels probably won’t make the play-in unless they get contributions from one or more of their role players, which is a lot to ask considering they haven’t done it consistently all year.
If New Orleans could get Larry Nance Jr. back before the end of the season, that would be huge for their depth.