The New Orleans Pelicans completed a two-year roster rejuvenating this offseason by trading away Jrue Holiday and including Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe in the deal. As they introduced new faces to the starting line, the move brought the Pelicans full of purpose to a young heart.
That heart is clarified by Brandon Ingram, who won a max contract this season, and Zion Williamson, the team ‘s No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Lonzo Ball has started to push his way into the conversation as well, especially after the better part of his career last season.
With Holiday trade-offs, and even with Bledsoe additionally, Ball figures to be the absolute point guard for the Pelicans after they split the load last season.
On the latest episode of his podcast, in which LaVar Ball was the guest, Nets forward Kevin Durant discussed the new-look Pelicans and how dangerous they could be this season.
“I think Zo at the head guard will make them a little faster and, obviously, with Zion (with) that athleticism. But by being (Ingram), too, at the shield that can be that marker for them. I think they have a nice balance, you know I say, of playing a slow game in the fourth quarter and playing that fast game. They already play with that pace, but now with even Bledsoe in there, they can put Bledsoe at both guards 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 lines out there and Zo is at that main guard, they’re going to be tough. ”
During 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 an outstanding performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. His 18 points came in a number of ways, from three points to midfield jerseys to layups, a change from the usual for Ball.
While it’s not clear what the diversity of the Pelicans ’offense will be, Ball’s diversity in how he scores adds another dimension to the team this season. If Williamson and Ingram keep going with their games, that could be a certainty about the hopes of the Pelicans.