New Orleans Pelicans
The 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans can be defined by missing the playoffs after starting the season 18-8 as the hottest team in the West.
What did we learn?
The injury bug came for Zion and the Pellies again.
This season began on the right foot and in such a promising way.
Zion looked better than ever, a lean bulldozer in the paint, shredding the league on a nightly basis. Big Z matched his 2020-21 All-Star numbers, averaging 26 points and 7 rebounds on 61 percent shooting. He even increased his assists to 4.6 per game.
Two months into the season, the Pelicans were 18-8 and in 1st place in the Western Conference after a 7-game winning streak was capped off by Zion’s 360-windmill in garbage time against the Suns. On Dec. 30, New Year’s Eve’s Eve, the Pelicans were 23-12 and still No. 1 in the West, tied at the top with the Denver Nuggets.
That’s when things came crashing down.
Zion injured his hammy two games later and the Pelicans were never the same.
Oct. 18 - Dec. 30: (23-12) No. 6 offense and No. 6 defense
Dec. 31 - April 9: (19-28) No. 25 offense and No. 12 defense
Big Z never returned, which has very unfortunately become an all too common occurrence with him. He just can’t stay healthy and on the court. An unbelievable player, just not one that’s available.
Brandon Ingram also injured his toe (severely), an injury that kept him out for two straight MONTHS.
The Pels did still have CJ, but without Zion and B.I., they just didn’t have the firepower to hang in a lot of nights in such a talented league. Even Jose Alvarado got hurt and was missed dearly, his energy and tenacity forever contagious.
The Pels were much better when Ingram returned at the end of January, ending the season on another strong run similar to last season. Over the last three weeks of the regular season, no team won more games than the New Orleans Pelicans, boasting a top-10 offense and the No. 2 defense over that stretch.
It was good enough to get the Pelicans the No. 9 seed and a home play-in game. But they fell short against the Thunder, losing by five and missing the playoffs altogether.
It was a lackluster ending to a disappointing season.
There is a good team here. This is a good roster.
They just need Zion.
_____________________________________
Additional Notes
Trey Murphy III was probably the brightest part of the entire Pelicans season. Murphy played 31 minutes per game and tripled his scoring output, shooting 40 percent from 3 and 61 percent on 2s. (90 percent on free throws as well.)
J-Val did very J-Val things. He played less minutes but still averaged a double-double.
Dyson Daniels saw limited action but was a pretty good defensive-oriented rookie. The trade for Josh Richardson and sending Devonte’ Graham’s shooting to San Antonio was a peculiar one.
_____________________________________
Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
This one feels too easy and like a Pure Lock. Over 44.5 wins.
Pelicans 2022-23 record: (42-40)
Nope. It’s the ones that feel too easy that don’t be hitting.
_____________________________________
What’s Next?
The No. 14 pick in the draft. KOC recommends Baylor’s Keyonte George to shadow CJ and eventually take over his spot. Not a bad idea considering CJ will be 32 next season with 10 years in the league.
Per Bobby Marks, “Year One of Williamson's $194 million extension has New Orleans $1.3 million above the luxury tax when including its lottery pick. To get under the tax, the Pelicans have the option of waiving Garrett Temple and signing a minimum free agent as a replacement.” That’s going to be a yes from us.
Someway. Somehow. Get. Zion. Healthy.
_____________________________________
