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Brandon Boston Jr. and Yves Missi: Bright Spots in a Rocky Start
Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Pelicans have had a challenging start to the season, but two players have emerged as key contributors: Brandon Boston Jr. and Yves Missi. As the team navigates injuries and roster adjustments, these players have shown potential to make a significant impact.
Brandon Boston Jr.'s Emerging Role
Brandon Boston Jr. has been a standout performer, providing much-needed energy and scoring ability. Standing at six foot seven, Boston Jr. offers versatility as a two guard, reminiscent of Kevin Martin. His ability to create his own shot is a rare asset for the Pelicans, who lack shot creators in their lineup. Over recent games, Boston Jr. has consistently contributed double-digit points, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking skills.
Despite being more suited for a bench role, Boston Jr. has proven to be a valuable rotation player. His performance has been particularly impressive given the team’s current injury woes. However, the Pelicans must manage his playing time carefully due to his two-way contract limitations. As the team regains health, Boston Jr.'s role may evolve, but his contributions have been crucial in keeping the Pelicans competitive.
Yves Missi’s Defensive Potential
Yves Missi has also caught attention with his defensive capabilities. Averaging 1.6 blocks per game, Missi has shown promise as a rim protector, a role the Pelicans have lacked since Anthony Davis. His ability to stay on the court without excessive fouling is a testament to his growth and understanding of the game.
However, Missi’s playing time has been limited due to the team’s defensive schemes. The Pelicans prefer a switching defense, which can expose Missi’s limitations on the perimeter. To maximize his impact, the team might consider adjusting their defensive strategy to incorporate drop coverage, allowing Missi to focus on rim protection.
Finding the right balance for Missi’s minutes is crucial. While Willie Green may prefer other options, Missi’s potential as a game-changer should not be overlooked. The Pelicans need to explore ways to integrate Missi into their rotation more, especially given the team’s current injury challenges.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Analysis of the Pelicans’ offensive and defensive strategies
- The impact of injuries on the Pelicans’ lineup and performance
- Potential lineup adjustments as players return from injury
The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Rumor The Pelicans are reportedly exploring a trade involving Brandon Ingram for Nikola Vucevic, potentially reshaping team dynamics. (Sporting News)
Preview The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center at 7pm ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
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