The Pelicans have been a bad team for the last few years, and their parading of talent has not led to much success. The players on this roster are talented enough to be successful, but they can’t overcome injuries and other problems that plague them throughout the season.
The “pelicans nba” is a team in the National Basketball Association. This year, they have been struggling to find their way back into the playoffs. On Wednesday night, they were able to beat the Utah Jazz and get back on track. The Pelicans now look like a strong contender for a playoff spot.
The New Orleans Pelicans got off to a bad start without Zion Williamson in the lineup. However, they have now recovered their stride, to a lesser degree, going 9-9 since the beginning of December. For the turnaround, Josh Hart and rookie big man Herbert Jones deserve a lot of credit.
Hart is quietly carving up a reputation as one of the NBA’s most versatile two-way players. Jones, a second-round choice, has already established himself as one of the game’s top defensive players. Both guys provide rays of optimism in an otherwise bleak season.
The Pelicans have a new lease of life thanks to Josh Hart and Herbert Jones.
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Early in the season, the Pelicans seemed to be inert. Josh Hart and Herbert Jones have subsequently brought new life to the club, resulting in several victories.
Hart is scoring 13.2 points per game and hitting over 60% of his twos, demonstrating a penchant for finishing at the basket and consistently chasing driving lanes. The 26-year-old is also averaging 7.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists, demonstrating his effort and ability to have an effect on the game in a variety of ways. This includes the ability to change positions.
Hart can (and does) play an undersized 4-man due to his stature and physical approach. This presents a dilemma for opponents, owing to his significant improvements as a facilitator who can break down defenders off the dribble. His usage rate has increased in each of the previous three months, indicating that the Pelicans are trying to get him more engaged.
Jones causes issues for opposing teams as well, albeit he does so mostly on the defensive end. 1.4 thefts and 1.0 blocks per game for the former Alabama standout. He’s one of just 12 players with at least a complete steal and block each game this season (min. 25 games played).
Jones’ length helps him to get his hand in the game and impede straight-line drives and play passing routes. He possesses the athleticism to defend some of the top wings while also forcing opposing bigs work hard. On the court, New Orleans allows 5.1 fewer points per 100 possessions.
Only a few weeks ago, it looked like the Pelicans could have to start again and trade a star-caliber player like Brandon Ingram. Hart and Jones, on the other hand, have emerged as possible pillars, potentially changing the organization’s future destiny.
New Orleans now has greater optimism for the future thanks to Hart and Jones.
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Prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, Williamson and Ingram seemed to be New Orleans’ only genuine cornerstone players. Hart and Jones, on the other hand, ought to be included in that discussion.
With Hart’s offensive development, the Pelicans now have many point forward options. If he can improve as a 3-point shooter, his arrow should continue to point up.
Jones only averages 8.7 points each game, but the stats don’t tell the whole picture. He’s an excellent off-ball cutter in the half court, but he also has the ability to handle the ball and create his own chances in transition. Jones is also shooting 37.3 percent from outside the arc. Even if he’s only taking 1.6 per game, it’s a positive indicator.
The Tuscaloosa native, like Hart, is progressively getting more engaged in the offense. Given the value he currently gives on the defensive end of the floor, his improvement on that end is important.
New Orleans is well below.500, but it still has a chance to qualify for the play-in event. It’s debatable if the Pelicans should risk hurrying Williamson back.
In any case, Hart and Jones are now contributing to the team’s success and have joined Zion as potential cornerstone components. New Orleans might attempt to entice them into a trade, but there’s no assurance that the player they acquire in return would be a significant improvement, especially considering Hart’s development and Jones’ youth.
Rather, the Pels must figure out how to effectively build around their present core.
The Pelicans need to improve their guard depth.
During a game against the Orlando Magic on December 23, 2021, Josh Hart (L) laughs with Herbert Jones (center) and Devonte’ Graham | Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
The front staff in New Orleans looks to already be aware of the team’s backcourt requirements.
In free agency, the Pelicans were unable to sign Kyle Lowry and, perplexingly, let Lonzo Ball to depart in restricted free agency. They’ve paid the price, with star acquisition Devonte’ Graham continuing to struggle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker regressing in his third season.
The Pelicans were allegedly interested in Ben Simmons early this season, which further emphasizes the folly of allowing Ball to go. In any case, the Saints could use more solid guards who can both defend and spread the floor.
The Pels aren’t in a position to make a splash before the February trade deadline, and they shouldn’t do anything hasty now that they’re just a few games away from the play-in tournament. However, the gains made by Hart and Jones, as well as the expected return of Williamson, should create a feeling of urgency in the summer to acquire a vital backcourt component.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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