New Orleans Pelicans Roster 2022: Players & Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

The New Orleans Pelicans had an interesting 2021-2022 season, guys! After a rocky start and some significant roster changes, they managed to claw their way into the playoffs, showcasing some serious potential for the future. Let's dive into the players who made up that 2022 roster and analyze their contributions.

Point Guards

  • CJ McCollum: Acquired mid-season from the Portland Trail Blazers, CJ McCollum immediately became a focal point of the Pelicans' offense. His scoring prowess and playmaking ability provided a huge boost, especially with Zion Williamson sidelined. McCollum's ability to create his own shot and knock down tough jumpers made him a reliable option in crunch time. His veteran presence was also invaluable in guiding the team through the ups and downs of the season. Beyond his on-court performance, McCollum brought a level of professionalism and leadership that resonated throughout the locker room. He quickly established himself as a mentor figure for the younger players, helping them develop their skills and understand the nuances of the game. His arrival not only improved the team's offensive output but also fostered a more cohesive and focused team environment.

    McCollum's impact extended beyond just scoring and playmaking. He also proved to be a capable defender, using his experience and basketball IQ to anticipate plays and disrupt opponents. While he may not be the most physically imposing defender, his smarts and effort made him a valuable asset on that end of the court as well. Furthermore, his ability to space the floor and knock down three-pointers opened up driving lanes for his teammates, creating more opportunities for easy baskets. CJ McCollum was a key addition to the Pelicans roster, bringing a combination of scoring, playmaking, leadership, and defensive awareness that significantly elevated the team's performance. His impact was felt immediately, and he quickly became an integral part of the Pelicans' success. The Pelicans are super lucky to have him!

  • Devonte' Graham: Brought in to provide scoring and playmaking off the bench, Devonte' Graham had a somewhat inconsistent season. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his shooting percentages fluctuated, and he sometimes struggled to find his rhythm within the offense. However, Graham's ability to get hot from beyond the arc made him a valuable weapon, and his willingness to take and make tough shots provided a spark for the team when they needed it most. His energy and enthusiasm were also contagious, lifting the spirits of his teammates and energizing the crowd. Despite the inconsistencies, Graham remained a valuable contributor to the Pelicans, providing scoring punch and playmaking off the bench.

    Graham's role on the team was crucial, especially when the starters needed a breather or when the team needed a quick offensive boost. His ability to create his own shot and his willingness to take risks made him a dangerous player for opposing defenses to handle. While his shooting percentages may have fluctuated, his confidence never wavered, and he always believed he could make the next shot. This resilience and mental toughness were valuable assets for the Pelicans, and they helped him bounce back from tough stretches and contribute to the team's success. Devonte' Graham's presence on the Pelicans roster added depth and versatility, providing the team with another scoring option and a player who could change the momentum of a game with his offensive firepower. His contributions were essential to the Pelicans' success, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the team's roster.

Shooting Guards

  • Brandon Ingram: The unquestioned leader of the team, Brandon Ingram continued his development into a bona fide star. His scoring, playmaking, and improved defense were crucial to the Pelicans' success. Ingram's smooth offensive game and ability to create shots for himself and others made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. He consistently delivered in clutch moments, showcasing his maturity and poise under pressure. His impact on the team extended beyond his individual statistics, as his leadership and work ethic set the tone for the rest of the roster.

    Ingram's growth as a player was evident throughout the season, as he continued to refine his skills and expand his game. He became a more efficient scorer, improving his shooting percentages and reducing his turnovers. He also became a more willing passer, recognizing when to take his own shot and when to defer to his teammates. This unselfishness and willingness to make the right play made him a more valuable asset to the team and helped the Pelicans' offense flow more smoothly. Furthermore, Ingram's improved defense was a key factor in the Pelicans' overall defensive improvement. He became a more active and engaged defender, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents and contest shots. His commitment to defense helped the Pelicans become a more well-rounded team, capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Brandon Ingram's evolution into a star player was a key factor in the Pelicans' success, and his leadership and all-around game made him an indispensable part of the team.

  • Josh Hart: Before being traded mid-season, Josh Hart provided valuable energy, rebounding, and defense. His hustle and willingness to do the dirty work made him a fan favorite. Hart's ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards was essential to the Pelicans' success early in the season. His departure was a loss, but it ultimately paved the way for the arrival of CJ McCollum. He was a real dawg. He hustles!

Small Forwards

  • Herbert Jones: A rookie sensation, Herbert Jones quickly established himself as one of the team's best defenders. His length, athleticism, and defensive instincts allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. Jones's offensive game was still developing, but his willingness to learn and improve made him a valuable asset. His defensive prowess and high motor earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Herb Jones quickly became a fan favorite.

    Herbert Jones's impact on the Pelicans' defense was immediate and significant. He brought a level of intensity and focus that was contagious, and he quickly became a key cog in the team's defensive schemes. His ability to guard multiple positions allowed the Pelicans to switch seamlessly on defense, making it difficult for opponents to exploit mismatches. Furthermore, his athleticism and length allowed him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and grab rebounds, all of which were essential to the Pelicans' defensive success. While his offensive game was still developing, Jones showed flashes of potential, and his willingness to learn and improve made him a valuable asset on that end of the court as well. He was a willing passer, a smart cutter, and he had a knack for making timely baskets. Herbert Jones's emergence as a defensive stopper and his potential on offense made him a valuable asset to the Pelicans, and his contributions were essential to the team's success.

  • Naji Marshall: Provided energy and toughness off the bench. Marshall's physicality and willingness to mix it up made him a valuable role player. He wasn't afraid to take on tough assignments and always played with maximum effort. He brought a level of grit and determination that the team needed. Marshall's contributions were often overlooked, but he played a vital role in the team's success, providing energy, toughness, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Marshall's ability to guard multiple positions and his knack for making hustle plays made him a valuable asset on both ends of the court, contributing to the team's overall success.

Power Forwards

  • Zion Williamson: Although he didn't play a single game in 2022 due to injury, Zion Williamson's presence loomed large over the team. His potential to be a dominant force was undeniable, and the Pelicans were eagerly awaiting his return. The team's success in making the playoffs without him was a testament to their depth and resilience, but everyone knew that their ceiling was much higher with a healthy Zion in the lineup. We were all anticipating his return, but sadly it didn't happen.

  • Jaxson Hayes: Showed flashes of athleticism and potential but struggled with consistency. Hayes's ability to run the floor and finish above the rim made him a valuable lob threat. However, his defensive awareness and decision-making needed improvement. Hayes's development was a work in progress, but his potential to be a dynamic two-way player was evident.

Centers

  • Jonas Valanciunas: A steady and reliable presence in the paint, Jonas Valanciunas provided valuable rebounding, scoring, and interior defense. His physicality and toughness set the tone for the team. Valanciunas's ability to score in the post and grab offensive rebounds made him a valuable offensive weapon. His veteran experience and leadership were also crucial to the team's success. He really provided us with a solid foundation and a veteran presence.

    Jonas Valanciunas's impact on the Pelicans extended beyond his individual statistics. He brought a level of professionalism and leadership to the team that was invaluable, especially for the younger players. His work ethic and dedication set an example for his teammates, and he was always willing to mentor and guide them. Furthermore, his toughness and physicality made him a formidable presence in the paint, deterring opponents from attacking the basket and creating space for his teammates to operate. Valanciunas's contributions were essential to the Pelicans' success, providing a combination of scoring, rebounding, interior defense, and leadership that helped the team compete with the best teams in the league. He was a steady and reliable presence, and his impact on the team was felt both on and off the court.

The 2022 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a mix of established veterans, rising stars, and promising young players. While they faced adversity throughout the season, they ultimately came together and showed their potential as a team. With Zion Williamson expected to return healthy, the Pelicans are poised to make even more noise in the years to come. What a promising team they are, guys!