Jake Madison here, the host of the daily Locked On Pelicans podcast, with your daily Locked On Pelicans newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pelicans and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Pelicans’ Offensive Rebounding: A Silver Lining Amidst Challenges
The New Orleans Pelicans may have faced a tough loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but there’s a glimmer of hope in their strategy that could turn the tide in upcoming games. Despite being significant underdogs, the Pelicans showcased a promising approach by focusing on offensive rebounding, a tactic that could be pivotal against teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Offensive Rebounding: A Strategic Advantage
In the recent matchup, the Pelicans excelled in crashing the offensive glass, securing 21 offensive rebounds and converting them into 26 second-chance points. This approach allowed them to remain competitive, especially in the paint, tying with the Thunder at 42 points each. With key players like Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum sidelined, the team is forced to rely on creative strategies to stay in the game.
The Pelicans’ ability to exploit the Thunder’s smaller lineup by dominating the boards is a testament to their adaptability. This strategy could be equally effective against the Nuggets and Lakers, who rank 14th and 18th in defensive rebounding, respectively. By capitalizing on their opponents’ weaknesses, the Pelicans have a chance to secure unexpected victories.
Turnovers: A Persistent Challenge
While the offensive rebounding was a bright spot, turnovers remain a significant hurdle. The Pelicans committed 23 turnovers, leading to 34 fast-break points for the Thunder. This disparity was a critical factor in the loss, highlighting the need for better ball control and offensive execution.
The absence of key players has made the Pelicans easier to defend, with opponents focusing their defense on the few remaining offensive threats. This has resulted in increased pressure on players like Brandon Ingram, who, despite his efforts, struggled with turnovers. The team must find ways to involve their best players more effectively in offensive actions to mitigate this issue.
The Pelicans’ current situation is challenging, with injuries forcing players into roles beyond their usual capacity. However, the coaching staff can still make adjustments to improve the team’s performance. By refining their offensive sets and reducing turnovers, the Pelicans can enhance their competitiveness, even against stronger opponents.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ strategies and challenges, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Analysis of Brandon Boston Jr.'s performance and potential
- The impact of injuries on team dynamics and strategy
- A look at Trey Jemison’s role and contributions
- Discussion on the Pelicans’ upcoming games and potential strategies
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), andI predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
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.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis
Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Personnel
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep! (HoopsHype)
Must Read
Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Last Night, In Basketball)
Fans
Representing more than three centuries of history. The Pelicans unveiled their City Edition jerseys for this season. (NBA)
Analysis
Trey Murphy must establish himself as a star to help save the sinking Pelicans, providing much-needed stability and performance on the court. (Pelican Debrief)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
Can New Orleans Pelicans rely on Zion Williamson despite recurring injuries? Zion Williamson’s indefinite absence due to a left hamstring strain marks his fourth significant injury, sparking concerns for the New Orleans Pelicans’ strategy. With injuries plaguing the team, is it time to reconsider building around Zion?
Why Willie Green’s coaching is under fire for New Orleans Pelicans crunch time loss to Brooklyn Nets Can the New Orleans Pelicans Overcome Their Crunch Time Struggles? The New Orleans Pelicans faced a tough loss to the Brooklyn Nets, falling 107-105 after failing to score in the final 3 and a half minutes. This game highlighted ongoing issues with their offensive execution and shot selection during critical moments.
Zion Williamson’s injury: What it means for New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson’s injury woes continue to plague the New Orleans Pelicans, as the star player faces an indefinite absence due to a left hamstring strain. With the Pelicans struggling offensively, ranking 24th in offense and 30th in defense, can they overcome these challenges in the competitive NBA landscape?
