The New Orleans Pelicans finished off a two-year roster overhaul this offseason by trading away Jrue Holiday and bringing in Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe in the transaction. While bringing in fresh faces to the starting lineup, the move fully committed the Pelicans to their young core.
That core is highlighted by Brandon Ingram, who secured a max contract this off-season, and Zion Williamson, the team’s No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Lonzo Ball has begun forcing his way into the conversation as well, particularly after the best stretch of his career last season.
By trading away Holiday, and even with the addition of Bledsoe, Ball figures to be the outright point guard for the Pelicans after sharing the load last season.
On the most recent episode of his podcast, which featured LaVar Ball as the guest, Nets forward Kevin Durant discussed the new-look Pelicans and how dangerous they could be this season.
“I think having Zo at the lead guard will make them a little faster and, obviously, having Zion (with) that athleticism. But having (Ingram), too, at the wing that can be that go-to scorer for them. I think they’re going to have a nice balance, you know I’m saying, of playing a slow-down fourth-quarter game and playing that fast-paced game. They already play with that pace, but now having even Bledsoe in there, they can put Bledsoe at the two guard with with Zo and play even faster and run up to court with Zion at the four, you know what I mean. They got so many different lineups out there and have a Zo at that lead guard, they going to be tough.”
Through the first two preseason games, Ball has made Durant look like a fortune teller with his strong play. On Friday, Ball continued his strong preseason with a standout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. His 18 points came in a variety of ways, ranging from three-pointers to mid-range jumpers to layups, a change from the norm for Ball.
While it’s unclear just how much diversity the Pelicans offense will have, Ball’s diversity in how he’s scoring adds another dimension to the team this season. If Williamson and Ingram continue progressing with their respective games, the optimism about the Pelicans could be warranted.
