The New Orleans Pelicans have spoken repeatedly of their desire and the necessity of having a solid defense in the upcoming season. Given the talent on the roster, specifically defensive talent, having a strong defense should be expected from the team.
Following Friday’s practice, Jahlil Okafor spoke to reporters about the confidence level amongst the roster at their ability to have a strong defense.
“We’re very confident. I know that we have the best on-ball defender in Jrue Holiday. Obviously, Lonzo Ball is very exceptional as well. And, like you said, (Derrick Favors). We’re learning from those guys and I think we’re going to be a really good defensive team this year.”
Listing Lonzo Ball amongst the players Okafor and the Pelicans are learning from is a compliment in the highest regard considering the pedigrees of Jrue Holiday and Derrick Favors. The Pelicans will benefit from the fact the trio of Ball, Holiday and Favors can defend three areas of the game. Holiday and Ball can each defend both lead guards and perimeter players while Favors is an elite rim protector.
Using that trio as a core for the defense moving forward should produce great results. Adding Brandon Ingram, another youngster who has gained a reputation as a solid young defender as well as Zion Williamson, who flashed his defensive prowess last season at Duke, could lead to a great defensive lineup. It could also quite easily be the Pelicans starting lineup on opening night.
