New Orleans Pelicans: Season predictions for the guards

Dyson Daniels: A Two-Way Menace

Coming out of a highly productive season with the G-Leauge Ignite, Daniels looks to improve the two-way potential that earned him the 8th overall draft selection.

Daniels is a menace on the defensive end and has a constantly developing offensive arsenal. Pelicans faithful should expect the rookie to initially struggle to find his rhythm, but if he can establish a clear spot in the rotation for himself, expect Daniels to develop into an impact player on both sides of the court.

He led the Pelicans in steals and deflections in the preseason and his defense will get him into the regular rotation right away. He’ll be a dark horse for All-Rookie by midseason and eventually get there.

Kira Lewis Jr:  A Project

In a limited role last season, Lewis struggled to find his footing. The Alabama alumni averaged 5.9 points on 40-22% shooting splits from the field and distance.

The third-year guard has an uphill battle to earn minutes in a flooded guard rotation. After completing rehab from a torn ACL last season, expect Lewis to have limited minutes and an unclear role on the roster.

He will start the season injured and will try to work his way into the rotation, but the Pels already have two small guards in the rotation, so Lewis Jr. could end up tacked onto a trade later in the season.