New Orleans Pelicans 2021 Roster: A Deep Dive
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans 2021 roster. We're going to break down each player, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and see how they contributed to the team. This isn't just a list of names; it's a comprehensive look at the squad that took the court for the Pelicans in 2021.
Point Guards
The point guard position is crucial in the NBA, and the Pelicans had a few options here. Let's check them out.
Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball was a key player for the Pelicans in 2021, bringing a unique blend of playmaking, defense, and improving shooting. He averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His ability to push the pace and find open teammates was vital to the Pelicans' offense. While his scoring wasn't always consistent, his all-around game made him a valuable asset. Ball's defensive presence was also notable, as he often guarded the opposing team's primary ball-handler. One of the things that stands out about Lonzo is his court vision. He consistently made passes that others simply didn't see, leading to easy buckets for his teammates. However, his three-point shot improved significantly, making him a more dangerous offensive threat. Despite his contributions, there were questions about his fit alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, which ultimately led to his departure in the offseason. But during the 2021 season, he was a major part of the Pelicans' strategy and a player that fans were excited to watch develop. Ball's impact extended beyond the box score; his leadership and basketball IQ were evident in every game. He was always looking to make the right play, whether it was a pass, a shot, or a defensive rotation. For Pelicans fans, Lonzo's time with the team was a mix of excitement and what-ifs, but his contributions during the 2021 season were undeniable. As he continues his career, many will be watching to see how he further develops his game and reaches his full potential.
Kira Lewis Jr.
Kira Lewis Jr., a promising young talent, showed flashes of potential but had limited opportunities. He averaged 6.4 points and 2.3 assists in about 16 minutes per game. His speed and agility were evident, but he needed more development to become a consistent contributor. Lewis Jr. was often used as a spark plug off the bench, injecting energy and quickness into the Pelicans' offense. His ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities was promising, but he also needed to improve his decision-making and shooting consistency. The Pelicans saw Lewis Jr. as a long-term project, someone who could develop into a key player with the right coaching and experience. He spent time working on his ball-handling skills and learning the nuances of the point guard position. While his playing time was limited, he made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his potential and giving fans a glimpse of what he could become. The Pelicans' coaching staff was patient with Lewis Jr., understanding that it would take time for him to fully develop. They focused on honing his skills and helping him understand the game at the NBA level. For Lewis Jr., the 2021 season was a valuable learning experience, one that set the stage for his future development and contributions to the team. He embraced the challenge and worked hard to improve every day, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Shooting Guards
Moving on to the shooting guard position, the Pelicans had a mix of veterans and young players vying for minutes.
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe provided veteran leadership and scoring, averaging 12.2 points per game. However, his fit with the team was questionable, and he wasn't always the most efficient offensive player. Bledsoe was brought in to provide a steady presence in the backcourt, but his performance was inconsistent at times. While he could score in bunches, his shooting percentages weren't always ideal, and his defensive effort waned at times. The Pelicans hoped that Bledsoe would be a reliable scorer and playmaker, but he struggled to find his rhythm consistently. There were moments when he looked like the player he once was, driving to the basket and finishing strong, but those moments were too few and far between. Bledsoe's fit with the Pelicans was a topic of discussion among fans and analysts, as it seemed he never fully integrated into the team's system. Despite his experience, he couldn't always provide the spark the team needed. Ultimately, Bledsoe's time with the Pelicans was short-lived, as he was traded in the offseason. But during the 2021 season, he played a significant role, and his contributions, both positive and negative, shaped the team's performance. He brought a veteran presence to the locker room, but his on-court performance didn't always live up to expectations.
JJ Redick
JJ Redick, a renowned shooter, was brought in for his floor spacing and veteran presence. Although he was eventually traded, his shooting was valuable while he was with the team. Redick's ability to knock down three-pointers was a major asset for the Pelicans' offense, creating space for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to operate. His veteran leadership and experience were also valuable in the locker room, as he helped mentor the younger players. Redick's time with the Pelicans was shorter than expected, but he made an impact with his shooting and professionalism. He was always ready to shoot, and his quick release made him a difficult player to guard. The Pelicans valued Redick's ability to stretch the floor and open up the offense. Even though he was traded mid-season, his contributions during his time with the team were appreciated. Redick brought a level of professionalism and dedication that set a good example for the younger players. His shooting prowess was undeniable, and he provided a valuable offensive weapon for the Pelicans while he was on the roster.
Small Forwards
The small forward position was primarily held down by Brandon Ingram, who continued to develop into a star.
Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram continued his development into a star, averaging 24.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He was the primary offensive option alongside Zion Williamson and showcased his scoring ability from all over the court. Ingram's smooth offensive game and improved playmaking made him a focal point of the Pelicans' attack. His ability to create his own shot and score in isolation situations was invaluable. Ingram also showed growth as a playmaker, making better reads and finding open teammates. The Pelicans relied heavily on Ingram's scoring, and he consistently delivered, proving himself to be one of the league's premier offensive talents. His length and athleticism allowed him to be a disruptive defender, although there was still room for improvement on that end of the court. Ingram's consistency and scoring ability made him a player that opposing teams had to game plan for. He continued to refine his skills and develop into a more complete player. For the Pelicans, Ingram was a cornerstone of their future, and his performance in the 2021 season solidified his status as a star in the league.
Power Forwards
Zion Williamson primarily played the power forward position, dominating opponents with his unique skill set.
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson had a dominant season, averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him nearly unstoppable, and he quickly became one of the league's most exciting young players. Williamson's ability to attack the basket and finish with power was unmatched, and he also showed improvement in his shooting and playmaking. The Pelicans' offense often revolved around Williamson, and he thrived as the focal point, drawing double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates. His impact on the game was undeniable, and he was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Williamson's unique skill set and athleticism made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He continued to develop his game and showed signs of becoming a truly dominant player. For the Pelicans, Williamson was the centerpiece of their future, and his performance in the 2021 season showcased his potential to be one of the league's all-time greats.
Centers
The center position saw a rotation of players, each bringing different strengths to the team.
Steven Adams
Steven Adams provided rebounding and interior defense, averaging 7.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. His physicality and toughness were valuable, but his offensive limitations were apparent. Adams was primarily used as a screen-setter and rebounder, providing a physical presence in the paint. His defensive effort and ability to protect the rim were appreciated, but his lack of offensive versatility limited his overall impact. The Pelicans valued Adams' toughness and rebounding, but his fit with the team's offensive style was sometimes questioned. He was a reliable player who brought a blue-collar mentality to the team, but his offensive limitations were a factor in the team's overall performance. Adams' contributions were primarily on the defensive end, where he was a valuable asset. His rebounding and interior defense helped the Pelicans control the paint, but his offensive game needed to evolve to better complement the team's other stars.
Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes showed flashes of potential with his athleticism and rim-running ability. He averaged 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in limited minutes. Hayes' energy and athleticism made him a valuable player off the bench, but he needed to improve his consistency and defensive awareness. The Pelicans saw Hayes as a long-term project, someone who could develop into a key player with the right coaching and experience. He spent time working on his defensive skills and learning the nuances of the center position. While his playing time was limited, he made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his potential and giving fans a glimpse of what he could become. The Pelicans' coaching staff was patient with Hayes, understanding that it would take time for him to fully develop. They focused on honing his skills and helping him understand the game at the NBA level. For Hayes, the 2021 season was a valuable learning experience, one that set the stage for his future development and contributions to the team. He embraced the challenge and worked hard to improve every day, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Other Notable Players
Besides the main contributors, several other players filled roles on the roster.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker showed promise as a scorer and playmaker, averaging 11.0 points per game. His inconsistency limited his playing time, but he displayed potential as a future contributor. Alexander-Walker's ability to create his own shot and score from the perimeter was intriguing, but he needed to improve his decision-making and consistency. The Pelicans saw Alexander-Walker as a developing player with a bright future. He spent time working on his ball-handling skills and learning to play within the team's system. While his playing time fluctuated, he made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his potential and giving fans a glimpse of what he could become. The Pelicans' coaching staff was committed to helping Alexander-Walker reach his full potential. They focused on honing his skills and helping him understand the game at the NBA level. For Alexander-Walker, the 2021 season was a valuable learning experience, one that set the stage for his future development and contributions to the team. He embraced the challenge and worked hard to improve every day, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Naji Marshall
Naji Marshall, a versatile player, contributed with his energy and hustle. He provided valuable minutes off the bench. Marshall's ability to play multiple positions and his willingness to do the dirty work made him a valuable asset. The Pelicans appreciated his hustle and determination, and he consistently gave maximum effort on both ends of the court. Marshall was a reliable player who could be counted on to provide energy and toughness. His versatility allowed him to fill different roles as needed, and he was always ready to contribute. The Pelicans valued Marshall's work ethic and his positive attitude. He was a team player who always put the team first, and he earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Final Thoughts
The 2021 New Orleans Pelicans roster had a mix of young talent and veteran experience. While they didn't achieve their ultimate goals, the team showed flashes of potential and provided fans with exciting basketball. The development of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram was a major highlight, and the team's future looked bright with those two leading the way. However, questions about roster construction and fit ultimately led to changes in the offseason. Despite the challenges, the 2021 season was a valuable learning experience for the Pelicans, one that set the stage for future growth and success. The team's young core showed promise, and with the right additions and development, the Pelicans could become a contender in the years to come. For Pelicans fans, the 2021 season was a roller coaster of emotions, but it also provided a glimpse of what the future could hold. The team's potential was undeniable, and with continued growth and improvement, the Pelicans could become a force in the NBA.
