3 potentially devastating small-ball lineups the Pelicans can unleash
New Orleans Pelicans: Small-ball lineups with Zion Williamson
Rookie Dyson Daniels has the size and defensive ability to make an impact right away. He not only gives the Pels another long athlete who can defend multiple spots, but he can also handle the ball and even run the offense at times, allowing CJ McCollum to play more off the ball.
Here is an interesting lineup that I am sure we will see at some point in the season:
- Dyson Daniels
- CJ McCollum
- Herb Jones
- Brandon Ingram
- Zion Williamson
This lineup may not work against a dominant post center, but there aren’t that many of those left in the league and the Pelicans would have an equal mismatch on the other end with a big five trying to stay in front of Zion.
Related Story. Pelicans' depth chart after the NBA Draft. light
Jones is one again the key, as he can do whatever the Pelicans need, taking on a wing, power forward or even a center in short bursts.
Daniels gives the Pels another facilitator and allows McCollum to stick with a point guard with plenty of wing help around him.
I don’t think we’ll see long stretches of this, as the Pels could get killed on the boards, but this is another option at coach Willie Green’s disposal.