The Pelicans want to change gear on offense

Last season, if the Pelicans were obviously weighed down collectively by the combined or successive absences of Zion Williamson And Brandon Ingramthey were also not helped by an attack that was too predictable, often immobile and not very effective (20th in the league at theoffensive rating).

Suffice to say that beyond hoping that their Williamson/Ingram duo remains healthy as long as possible, the men of Willie Green plan to play differently in attack, notably faster and more rhythmic, with less one-on-one, in order to disrupt opposing defenses as much as possible…

“ With [Brandon Ingram] in possession of the ball and [Zion Williamson] who runs to set a screen, what will the defense do? » asked, for example, the coach of New Orleans, with a touch of excitement. “ It’s the same in the other direction, when [Zion] at the ball, there is still [Brandon] or C.J. [McCollum]. I think we have a few different ways of attacking, but it’s a luxury to have those two guys on the floor together. »

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, pillars of the attack

Clearly, the Pelicans already intend to increase the number of situations where Zion Williamson finds himself setting a screen then “rolling” at full speed towards the circle. Which, considering his physique, can prove destructive…

“ We looked at our stats on pick-and-roll, when he carried the ball and when he set the screen, and there were a lot more situations where he carried the ball so now we want to use him as a setter as well screen, because his stats are off the charts in both cases “, rightly indicates Willie Greenready to sometimes reposition his strong winger as a pivot in a small five.

Another point that the NOLA franchise intends to exploit: the creative talents of Brandon Ingram, who likes to manipulate defenses to offer (or offer himself) good shooting situations.

“ He has good pace and feel for the game, he can change direction to destabilize the defense, and he has a high basketball IQ “, note CJ McCollum, the third thief of the local “Big Three”. “ He watches this sport, he studies it, he wants to be a great player and, when you want to be a great player, you have to be able to pass, dribble and create. When you are selfless and willing to do anything to win, it becomes contagious. »

James Borrego to the rescue

To make the best use of the qualities of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but also CJ McCollum, Willie Green will also rely on all the offensive knowledge of one of his new assistants, poached during the summer and who is not other than James Borrego (ex-Magic, ex-Hornets).

“ He comes with an offensive vision that I think we needed. He will be an important element in improving our program, especially on offense », he judges, concerning the man who was himself his coach in Orlando, in 2014/15. “ He’s already been there, it’s useful for our players, it’s useful to us too. It truly improves our program. »

James Borrego’s contribution should therefore mainly be felt on the offensive level, where the Pelicans hope to be able to spread their wings better, by running and projecting themselves more regularly from one camp to another…

“ I think we are a better team when we can quickly get the ball to half court », Considers Willie Green, eager to modernize his attack and get the best out of his major trio. “ It’s all about ball and body movement. We know it’s difficult to defend. We’re adding a little bit of that to our offense, we were already doing that last season, but we’re adding another layer this season. »