In December of 2012, the reports came in that the New Orleans Hornets would be changing their name to the New Orleans Pelicans starting in the 2013-2014 NBA season. This change involved more than a name as a new court and uniform were introduced as well. The question that remains is if this rebranding is doing anything for the organization.
A little over year later and 26 games into the current season we have a comparison from last year’s team to this year’s team. Let us begin with head coach Monty Williams.
Currently in his fourth season as the head coach of this team, Monty Williams appears to have finally found what the pros and cons of his team are. Last season at this time, Williams and his team were at a dismal 5-22 record. This year they stand at 13-14. While still under .500 this is a young group of men with plenty of talent and an exciting playing style.
A large difference for Coach Williams this year is that he accepts his role and the responsibility that comes with it. He acknowledges the mistakes made during games and makes the effort in fixing them. As the coach of the team his effort and dedication resonate through his players. While he knows they are far from being the best in the league Coach Williams does believe this team has great potential to become a playoff contender.
The starting five of last year’s team: Eric Gordon (G), Greivis Vasquez (G), Al-Farouq Aminu (F), Anthony Davis (F) and Robin Lopez (C).
The starting five of this year’s team: Eric Gordon (G), Jrue Holiday (G), Al-Forouq Aminu (F), Ryan Anderson (F) and Anthony Davis (F)
The acquisition of Jrue Holiday from the 76ers has paid off quite well for the Pelicans. He has been a considerable upgrade over the departed Greivis Vasquez. Holiday is averaging 15 points per game and leading the team with 8 assists per night, Holiday takes some of the opponents defensive focus off of Eric Gordon. This allows plays to be set up and executed.
Speaking of Eric Gordon, currently averaging 15.4 points per game and 3.1 assists he is right where he was last year but with a better attitude. The battery of these two guards can be quite a problem for some defenses. Both are small but aggressive when driving to the paint and have the ability to shoot from the outside.
However a recurring problem with the two guards are their turnovers. Between the two of them, they are averaging five per game. While that may not seem like a high number, those turnovers can be quite costly in close games.
Aminu hasn’t changed much since last year but that hasn’t been an issue. The forward is slightly more aggressive on the boards this year. Aminu has always played his role well. He is quiet but still a key part of the team’s success.
Ryan Anderson is automatic from behind the arc. After returning to the lineup from an injury, the 25-year-old leads the team in points per game at 20. He also averages 6.2 rebounds per game. The floor spreads when Anderson steps beyond 22 feet. Anderson knows what he excels at and uses that to help his team win. His 7-11 performance from the three point area against the Knicks was not something to scoff at. While his numbers have fallen in recent games, Anderson is still a weapon for the Pelicans.
Davis has grown this season showing his talents from mid-range while still being a factor in the paint. He leads the team in blocks, rebounds and steals. He has shown great improvement in only one year. The young forward/center gets better with every game learning from his mistakes. Hopefully after returning from his recent injury he can pick up where he left off.
Now we go to the Pelicans bench.
The key bench players from last year: Brian Roberts (G), Austin Rivers (G), Xavier Henry (F) Ryan Anderson (F) and Jason Smith (C).
The key bench players from this year: Anthony Morow (G), Austin Rivers (G), Brian Roberts (G), Tyreke Evans (G), Al-Forouq Aminu (F) and Greg Stiemsma (C).
This year’s bench retains the speed and agility that Rivers and Roberts provided last year, while Anthony Morrow and Tyreke Evans join the army of guards at the Pelicans’ disposal. Evans is a gamble in the minds of many NBA fans. Sometimes he competes and other times he doesn’t. Still he is improving and an exciting player to watch. The Pelican guards all work well with one another and that shows on the court.
Allowing Aminu to come off the bench results in an obvious spark for the team. Although he may not always produce the numbers he did as a starter he has more energy and better court vision leading to more opportunities at the basket.
Stiemsma has been a surprise to most people. He has played for the Celtics and Timberwolves prior to his tenure with the Pelicans. Points have never been a concern to the young center. He grabs enough boards to make up or his low point average. Stiemsma appear comfortable with his role on the team and has a good free throw percentage to boot. There is a lot of potential in him to become even more vital down the road.
The New Orleans Pelicans are a young team with good pieces that work together. While in a very talented Southwestern Division a playoff shot this year may still be obtainable. The Western Conference rankings change every week so no team is to be counted out.
Even if the Pelicans fail to make it to the playoffs this year, it will be a close miss. In the next few seasons Coach Williams and Pelicans could be a team to watch.
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Main Photo Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
