The recent loss to the Toronto Raptors was a wake-up call for the New Orleans Pelicans, highlighting significant issues within the team’s roster construction. Despite the return of key players like Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans fell short, raising questions about the team’s overall strategy and depth. Murray’s performance was underwhelming, with just 14 points on 17 attempts, underscoring the broader struggles that go beyond mere injuries.
Roster Construction Concerns
The Pelicans’ shooting woes were evident, with the team hitting under 40% from the field and struggling from beyond the arc. The Raptors, by contrast, capitalized on their three-point opportunities, outscoring New Orleans by 30 points from deep. This disparity highlights a fundamental issue: the Pelicans lack consistent three-point shooters. Players like Jordan Hawkins and Murray had off nights, but the problem runs deeper. The roster is filled with mid-range specialists who are not equipped to meet the team’s goal of shooting 40 threes per game.
The absence of stars like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson certainly impacts the team’s performance, but even their presence might not fully address the underlying issues. The Pelicans’ shot profile is broken, with too many attempts coming from inefficient areas on the court. This isn’t just a coaching issue; it’s a roster construction problem that needs addressing.
Defensive Struggles and Bright Spots
Defensively, the Pelicans have been giving up too many open threes, a trend that has persisted all season. The team struggles with skip passes and cross-court plays, often leaving shooters wide open. This lack of defensive discipline is concerning, especially for a team that has prided itself on strong defense in previous seasons.
However, there is a silver lining in the form of Yves Missi. His defensive presence was a highlight, as he consistently altered shots and provided rim protection. Missi’s ability to impact the game defensively without necessarily filling the stat sheet is promising. He could be a cornerstone for a future defensive scheme, potentially allowing the team to explore different defensive strategies like drop coverage.
The Pelicans are at a crossroads. With their current roster, achieving their offensive and defensive goals seems challenging. The team needs to reassess its strategy and consider potential changes to better align with their desired style of play. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ challenges and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- The impact of injuries on the Pelicans’ performance
- Analysis of the Pelicans’ shooting struggles
- Potential roster changes and strategic shifts
- Eve Misi’s role in the Pelicans’ defensive future
- Upcoming games and what they mean for the Pelicans’ season
