January 2nd - New Orleans Pelicans VS Toronto Raptors - 3-2

STOP THE COUNT https://t.co/AjiHiK2Xnz

— A. Enriquez (@LokNessMonsta11) January 3, 2021

AYYY AYYY AYYY WHO NEEDS TO FILL ONE OUT ������ https://t.co/DMfhbezNcO

— NOLA Pelicans Reddit (@PelicansReddit) January 3, 2021

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Originally Posted by 13 - 3

AYYY AYYY AYYY WHO NEEDS TO FILL ONE OUT ������ https://t.co/DMfhbezNcO

— NOLA Pelicans Reddit (@PelicansReddit) January 3, 2021

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I didn't know he turns into Simon Phoenix from Demolition Man (Wesley Snipes) in the 4th quarter.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

So far this season, Redick is 8/31 from 3, good for 25.8%

In the first 6 games of last year, Redick was 15/38, good for 39.5%

In fact, through his first 15 games, he shot 47.7% from 3, on 7.3 per game. It was a pretty hot start.

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Yep. Must have been thinking of preseason...

The problem with Bledsoe is the playoffs. So if that's the problem the Pelicans have with him this year, I think that should be fine because it means the Pelicans are in the playoffs...

2019 vs Siakam (pts/rebs/asts)

Game 1: 34/18/5 (42% shooting)
Game 2: 44/10/4 (61% shooting)


2020

Game 1: 20/6/6 (47% shooting)
Game 2: 10/4/1 (40% shooting)

Went from feasting on the poor Pelicans to fouling out and frustrated.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

2019 vs Siakam (pts/rebs/asts)

Game 1: 34/18/5 (42% shooting)
Game 2: 44/10/4 (61% shooting)


2020

Game 1: 20/6/6 (47% shooting)
Game 2: 10/4/1 (40% shooting)

Went from feasting on the poor Pelicans to fouling out and frustrated.

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He's been struggling every since the bubble. A lot of players did, but almost all them rebounded except for him.

Yet, we are completely frustrating him and that's so enjoyable.

Nice win guys! We are 4-2 in the standings. Don't wake Me up! :rolleyes:

Looking at our next 10 games, we play:

- Vs Indiana
- Vs OKC
- Vs Charlotte
- @ Dallas
- @ Clippers
- @ Lakers
- @ Sacramento
- @ Utah
- @ Utah
- @ Minnesota

I genuinely feel like we could be at 7-3 (wins against OKC and Charlotte, coin flip against Indiana who are looking good) before heading out on that road trip, which would be a huge plus because that road trip is a horror show.

Dallas have struggled so far this year, but they're one of those teams with a superstar and a great coach so it's never an easy trip. Then Clippers and Lakers, who have the same records as us so far and will obviously have home court advantage and such; Lakers reigning champs. Then Sacramento has been quite good so far as well, and Utah in Utah twice in a row is no mean feat. If we went 4-6 during that 10 game stretch I'd consider that pretty decent. Which would put us at 8-8 over the first 16 games, something I'd be quite happy with. I wouldn't even be too upset if we slipped just under .500, something like 7-9 or something.

Worse than that is totally plausible for a bunch of reasons, but I'd start being grumpy if we ended up 5-11 or something like that. If we can just hover within a few games of .500 through this stretch, then we come out on the other side and get a substantial home stretch to recover. Of course, that home stretch does include a back-to-back vs Milwaukee and Houston, another game against Phoenix, and the Spurs again, so it's not like it's a cakewalk.

good game.....FREE THROWS,,FREE THROWS....

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

Looking at our next 10 games, we play:

- Vs Indiana
- Vs OKC
- Vs Charlotte
- @ Dallas
- @ Clippers
- @ Lakers
- @ Sacramento
- @ Utah
- @ Utah
- @ Minnesota

I genuinely feel like we could be at 7-3 (wins against OKC and Charlotte, coin flip against Indiana who are looking good) before heading out on that road trip, which would be a huge plus because that road trip is a horror show.

Dallas have struggled so far this year, but they're one of those teams with a superstar and a great coach so it's never an easy trip. Then Clippers and Lakers, who have the same records as us so far and will obviously have home court advantage and such; Lakers reigning champs. Then Sacramento has been quite good so far as well, and Utah in Utah twice in a row is no mean feat. If we went 4-6 during that 10 game stretch I'd consider that pretty decent. Which would put us at 8-8 over the first 16 games, something I'd be quite happy with. I wouldn't even be too upset if we slipped just under .500, something like 7-9 or something.

Worse than that is totally plausible for a bunch of reasons, but I'd start being grumpy if we ended up 5-11 or something like that. If we can just hover within a few games of .500 through this stretch, then we come out on the other side and get a substantial home stretch to recover. Of course, that home stretch does include a back-to-back vs Milwaukee and Houston, another game against Phoenix, and the Spurs again, so it's not like it's a cakewalk.

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Most of those results depend on our backcourt and bench. If they keep showing the promise they have in the past two, we should be close in the majority of those and take several of them. If they don’t, Ingram will have to pull miracles out of his bum to steal some of those and Zion will have to play like he did last night. I do think Bled has gotten the message though so I expect him to keep producing. I think we’ll be okay

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

Looking at our next 10 games, we play:

- Vs Indiana
- Vs OKC
- Vs Charlotte
- @ Dallas
- @ Clippers
- @ Lakers
- @ Sacramento
- @ Utah
- @ Utah
- @ Minnesota

I genuinely feel like we could be at 7-3 (wins against OKC and Charlotte, coin flip against Indiana who are looking good) before heading out on that road trip, which would be a huge plus because that road trip is a horror show.

Dallas have struggled so far this year, but they're one of those teams with a superstar and a great coach so it's never an easy trip. Then Clippers and Lakers, who have the same records as us so far and will obviously have home court advantage and such; Lakers reigning champs. Then Sacramento has been quite good so far as well, and Utah in Utah twice in a row is no mean feat. If we went 4-6 during that 10 game stretch I'd consider that pretty decent. Which would put us at 8-8 over the first 16 games, something I'd be quite happy with. I wouldn't even be too upset if we slipped just under .500, something like 7-9 or something.

Worse than that is totally plausible for a bunch of reasons, but I'd start being grumpy if we ended up 5-11 or something like that. If we can just hover within a few games of .500 through this stretch, then we come out on the other side and get a substantial home stretch to recover. Of course, that home stretch does include a back-to-back vs Milwaukee and Houston, another game against Phoenix, and the Spurs again, so it's not like it's a cakewalk.

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If we can hover around 500 it would be amazing. That road trip is evil though. But honestly if we can keep up the good defense and keep down the turnovers we should be in most games at the end. If we have a chance to win at the end against those teams I will be happy. I'll be going bonkers if we can win 4 out of those 7 road games though.

This season I'm looking for around 500 on the road and 2 of 3 at home. Its high expectations and I won't get bent out of shape if they don't get there yet but thats my measuring stick for a great year. Development of the young guys is paramount though.

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Originally Posted by P_B_&_G

If we can hover around 500 it would be amazing. That road trip is evil though. But honestly if we can keep up the good defense and keep down the turnovers we should be in most games at the end. If we have a chance to win at the end against those teams I will be happy. I'll be going bonkers if we can win 4 out of those 7 road games though.

This season I'm looking for around 500 on the road and 2 of 3 at home. Its high expectations and I won't get bent out of shape if they don't get there yet but thats my measuring stick for a great year. Development of the young guys is paramount though.

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I agree. Nickeil and Hayes development still take priority. People will be much happier stomaching losses if we are losing the right way instead of running 8 man silly rotations. We need to think long term.

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

Most of those results depend on our backcourt and bench. If they keep showing the promise they have in the past two, we should be close in the majority of those and take several of them. If they don’t, Ingram will have to pull miracles out of his bum to steal some of those and Zion will have to play like he did last night. I do think Bled has gotten the message though so I expect him to keep producing. I think we’ll be okay

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For me a big X factor is Redick, as obvious as it sounds. If he can bounce back to even sort of average Redick standard where he's hitting 38 or 39% of 5 threes a game - a standard which is very pedestrian for him - then our bench suddenly looks a lot more offensively capable, and he can get more run with the main guys as well which makes things easier for guys like Zion. Right now when he's giving you absolutely nothing, he's basically unplayable and that hurts everyone else who gets so much from his spacing.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

For me a big X factor is Redick, as obvious as it sounds. If he can bounce back to even sort of average Redick standard where he's hitting 38 or 39% of 5 threes a game - a standard which is very pedestrian for him - then our bench suddenly looks a lot more offensively capable, and he can get more run with the main guys as well which makes things easier for guys like Zion. Right now when he's giving you absolutely nothing, he's basically unplayable and that hurts everyone else who gets so much from his spacing.

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It hurts my heart to see him playing this poorly. He is a huge boon if he gets it together. Atm he is a huge negative and it’s getting to the point where he is stealing minutes from more deserving players. Still hold out hope he comes back around.

Since the Christmas game we seem to have fallen off the national radar and for that I am glad. This road trip will be a true test of where we are. I am practicing the mantra of this year is about the progress not our record but the early success has my heart yearning for more !

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Originally Posted by Rampart

Since the Christmas game we seem to have fallen off the national radar and for that I am glad. This road trip will be a true test of where we are. I am practicing the mantra of this year is about the progress not our record but the early success has my heart yearning for more !

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If we can come out 2-5 out of that road trip. I'll be thrilled.

3-4 is what I hope for...

I do feel like Lonzo deserves some praise, because he has been more consistent while not perfect. He hasn't hit his rock bottom lows from last year. I know it's only been 6 games, but we historically struggle so badly coming out of the gate with Gentry. He deserves praise even if has some lesd than ideal performances. The outlook is I personally hope he can keep getting better. He keeps being contributor and just doesn't become the player that causes us to lose games.

I saw an update on Gabriel... it seems he is very close to being available, but way behind on the basketball stuff....sounds like it will take some time before he will be prepared to contribute, but he is one I am looking forward to seeing on the court....

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Originally Posted by Taker597

I do feel like Lonzo deserves some praise, because he has been more consistent while not perfect. He hasn't hit his rock bottom lows from last year. I know it's only been 6 games, but we historically struggle so badly coming out of the gate with Gentry. He deserves praise even if has some lesd than ideal performances. The outlook is I personally hope he can keep getting better. He keeps being contributor and just doesn't become the player that causes us to lose games.

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He's been pretty solid. I know some people are doing weird victory laps, as if he had been just on fire or something, which is frankly far from the case, but he has been far from a complete disaster as well. Six games in and he's probably close to 50/50 good and bad. On one hand, he's had a few really good games which have been great to see, and the defense has picked up from last year back to a solid level, at least on ball. Off ball, however, he's been kind of shaky with constant overhelp (that clip of Ingram pushing him back on to his man when he was completely blowing a rotation comes to mind), and despite a few good games, his overall shooting efficiency has still been pretty terrible: 39/30/55 splits for 48% TS on the season thus far.

He's shown some good play, and some terrible play, and he still has a lot to prove. But the fact is that he's had some good play, which is more than I expected this early.

I've seen a lot of people weirdly excited about Wenyen Gabriel, and I have no idea if I'm just missing something. Can someone explain to me why we think he's actually going to get appreciable playing time? Why are we anticipating him getting healthy as if he's actually going to be seeing the court with any frequency?

I could obviously be missing the point completely, that's why I'm asking for someone to give me a hand, but it just feels like a few years ago when a ton of people were getting super hyped over Blueitt.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I've seen a lot of people weirdly excited about Wenyen Gabriel, and I have no idea if I'm just missing something. Can someone explain to me why we think he's actually going to get appreciable playing time? Why are we anticipating him getting healthy as if he's actually going to be seeing the court with any frequency?

I could obviously be missing the point completely, that's why I'm asking for someone to give me a hand, but it just feels like a few years ago when a ton of people were getting super hyped over Blueitt.

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Or when we were getting really impatient about signing Dante Cunningham :hihi:

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I've seen a lot of people weirdly excited about Wenyen Gabriel, and I have no idea if I'm just missing something. Can someone explain to me why we think he's actually going to get appreciable playing time? Why are we anticipating him getting healthy as if he's actually going to be seeing the court with any frequency?

I could obviously be missing the point completely, that's why I'm asking for someone to give me a hand, but it just feels like a few years ago when a ton of people were getting super hyped over Blueitt.

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I don't get it either. But like I said, this place can go into the twilight zone.

He's a long athletic defensive minded guy that you can throw a body at some of the longer wings in the league in short spurts when guys like Hart can't manage. His physical tools are going to make him useful when Melli gives you nothing. I want to see if he can play PF with Zion when he's the 5.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

I don't get it either. But like I said, this place can go into the twilight zone.

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I'm in the same boat and everytime I'm like... Whhooo?

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I've seen a lot of people weirdly excited about Wenyen Gabriel, and I have no idea if I'm just missing something. Can someone explain to me why we think he's actually going to get appreciable playing time? Why are we anticipating him getting healthy as if he's actually going to be seeing the court with any frequency?

I could obviously be missing the point completely, that's why I'm asking for someone to give me a hand, but it just feels like a few years ago when a ton of people were getting super hyped over Blueitt.

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you are likely the best around here when it comes to assessing what players actually bring to the table.... let's just let this Gabriel thing play out and see what happens... if he is truly healthy and as conscientious as I think he might be, I sense we might be surprised at the intensity he is capable of bringing... I think he will be used in "spots" and not necessary get "frequent" minutes....I might get laughed off the forum, but I can see some Josh Hart in him....

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

He's been pretty solid. I know some people are doing weird victory laps, as if he had been just on fire or something, which is frankly far from the case, but he has been far from a complete disaster as well. Six games in and he's probably close to 50/50 good and bad. On one hand, he's had a few really good games which have been great to see, and the defense has picked up from last year back to a solid level, at least on ball. Off ball, however, he's been kind of shaky with constant overhelp (that clip of Ingram pushing him back on to his man when he was completely blowing a rotation comes to mind), and despite a few good games, his overall shooting efficiency has still been pretty terrible: 39/30/55 splits for 48% TS on the season thus far.

He's shown some good play, and some terrible play, and he still has a lot to prove. But the fact is that he's had some good play, which is more than I expected this early.

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If he can stop this trend of starting out 1-5 from the 3. I'll just be happy withthat and a low TO game and not forcing bad lobs.

I think no matter what... The market will make him fairly cheap to resign, regardless. I don't think he'll get his $20 million from anyone. If only using FA as to build depth and start trying to operate in an Big 3 SA of building through the draft or trades instead of trying to land big free agents. Which I don't think we can do anyways.

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Originally Posted by ramsters60

you are likely the best around here when it comes to assessing what players actually bring to the table.... let's just let this Gabriel thing play out and see what happens... if he is truly healthy and as conscientious as I think he might be, I sense we might be surprised at the intensity he is capable of bringing... I think he will be used in "spots" and not necessary get "frequent" minutes....I might get laughed off the forum, but I can see some Josh Hart in him....

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In short, there is no Josh Hart there. He's injury insurance. Probably one spot below Hernangomez who brings a little more.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

In short, there is no Josh Hart there. He's injury insurance. Probably one spot below Hernangomez who brings a little more.

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you might turn out to be right, but I will remember where this response is....

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Originally Posted by ramsters60

you might turn out to be right, but I will remember where this response is....

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Cool. And if you're right I'll just tip my hat to you sir.

I won't call you "intellectually dishonest" or whatever someone called me for pointing out I was right...:hihi::hihi:

I hope NAW doesn't go back to DNPs again. He got 3 point happy last night, but did have a nice drive and dish.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

Cool. And if you're right I'll just tip my hat to you sir.

I won't call you "intellectually dishonest" or whatever someone called me for pointing out I was right...:hihi::hihi:

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It was me. You said Ingram was better than Tatum. What was right about that?

https://youtu.be/UQE9A8_VEYY

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Originally Posted by Funcrusher

It was me. You said Ingram was better than Tatum. What was right about that?

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A) No, thats not the claim I made...go back to that thread and follow

B) No, thats not why you butted in to call me that...go back to that thread and follow

Going 0-2 means not worth much of a response. :hihi: Thanks.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

A) No, thats not the claim I made...go back to that thread and follow

B) No, thats not why you butted in to call me that...go back to that thread and follow

Going 0-2 means not worth much of a response. :hihi: Thanks.

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Going 0 - 2... lmao

What are you, king of the message boards?

And you started the thread literally comparing the two when, to that point, Tatum was still clearly better.

And no, the post I responded to wasn't the INITIAL CLAIM you made... still wrong though. Every argument you make is basically a mashup of different strawmen takes, which is what I meant by "intellectually dishonest." Talking to you is literally pointless because you think arguments have to be "won," and so instead of simply making points you devote your time to flexing on a message board, like you've won something.... it's childish. Talk to me when you can have adult conversations.

You know what... I honestly love this game every other day set up. I personally hate bsck to back games. I personally would like they do this more regularly and completely eliminate back to back. Just do 4 or 5 games of every other night. Then, a break. Then, get back to it.

Without question the simplest and most direct route for the Pels to become an tough out is for J.J. to regress to the mean on shooting, adding some needed punch to our bench scoring. I love when Bled heats up from three, but let’s be honest, that’s not a thing for the Pels to count on night in and night out. Redick’s shooting is a thing to count on, at least normally. Without it, or some equivalent, I think the Pels struggle to go .500. With it, I think the playoffs are a solid bet.

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Originally Posted by Funcrusher

Going 0 - 2... lmao

What are you, king of the message boards?

And you started the thread literally comparing the two when, to that point, Tatum was still clearly better.

And no, the post I responded to wasn't the INITIAL CLAIM you made... still wrong though. Every argument you make is basically a mashup of different strawmen takes, which is what I meant by "intellectually dishonest." Talking to you is literally pointless because you think arguments have to be "won," and so instead of simply making points you devote your time to flexing on a message board, like you've won something.... it's childish. Talk to me when you can have adult conversations.

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Thats wrong. The thread was started on a highlight video someone else made between the two. I literally said in that thread I wanted to discuss who had the better highlights in that video. I'm the one who started that thread. Go read it.

Now you said I claimed Ingram was better. Thats also wrong. I never did. Others said Tatum was not only better but an entire level above Ingram. I responded that wasn't true and gave stats and reasons why. It's even more NOT TRUE this season.

So that's two examples of you butting in and not knowing what you're talking about. Yet want to throw insults.

So it seems that you can't follow things correctly, then want to try and insult someone on top of that with red herrings. Basically you're an idiot.

We're done. Later bud.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

Thats wrong. The thread was started on a highlight video someone else made between the two. I literally said in that thread I wanted to discuss who had the better highlights in that video. I'm the one who started that thread. Go read it.

Now you said I claimed Ingram was better. Thats also wrong. I never did. Others said Tatum was not only better but an entire level above Ingram. I responded that wasn't true and gave stats and reasons why. It's even more NOT TRUE this season.

So that's two examples of you butting in and not knowing what you're talking about. Yet want to throw insults.

So it seems that you can't follow things correctly, then want to try and insult someone on top of that with red herrings. Basically you're an idiot.

We're done. Later bud.

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I didn't insult you, but ok, sounds good. I have no interest in engaging in an argument, so I'm glad we got that settled.

Hi everyone
New Kiwi fan, I was quietly hoping if Adams got traded it would be to the Pelicans and voila !
Really enjoy this team :)

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Originally Posted by KoMikaera

Hi everyone
New Kiwi fan, I was quietly hoping if Adams got traded it would be to the Pelicans and voila !
Really enjoy this team :)

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Welcome to the club. Win or lose.... This is probably one of the most enjoyable squads to watch.

To point something out, see screencap below. As you see, BI is getting blitzed damn near at the half court line. It's obviously not because he's some threat to shoot from that deep. He still doesn't shoot those. It's also not due to him being some prolific pull up 3 point shooter either. He wasn't killing Toronto with that shot. He only shot 2 of those this entire game and made 1. His rate of those shots have gone up, but it's still only half the rate of the Lillards, Hardens, and Tatums.

As I said in that other infamous thread, players like BI will get blitzed like that because they've established they are prolific 3-level scorers and playmakers. Not because you shoot tons of pull up 3s. He had tore them up at every level and had around 8 free throw attempts already. Teams will blitz you to stop you from turning the corner on a PnR, and just to get the ball out of your hands ASAP. As you see Toronto doing it while BI is still inside the half court logo for pete's sake.

**this forum is a little old, so can't figure out how to make the attachment larger. Just click on it.


Attachment 6564

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Originally Posted by KoMikaera

Hi everyone
New Kiwi fan, I was quietly hoping if Adams got traded it would be to the Pelicans and voila !
Really enjoy this team :)

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Hey there, hope you're well. Glad to have you, and Adams is great. He was a constant feature in my posts in trade proposal threads over the last 18 months so glad to see it finally happen

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Originally Posted by KoMikaera

Hi everyone
New Kiwi fan, I was quietly hoping if Adams got traded it would be to the Pelicans and voila !
Really enjoy this team :)

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Happy to have you! This is definitely a very fun squad, Adams being a big part of that.

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Originally Posted by KoMikaera

Hi everyone
New Kiwi fan, I was quietly hoping if Adams got traded it would be to the Pelicans and voila !
Really enjoy this team :)

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Welcome aboard! I was skeptical about investing so much in a traditional big man in the new-look NBA, but can't deny Adams has played well, given max effort and seems like a great guy and a great teammate. Hope you caught the rare "double Kiwi" encounter the other night when two of your countrymen faced off in the Pels/Raptors game...

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Originally Posted by new city champ

Welcome aboard! I was skeptical about investing so much in a traditional big man in the new-look NBA, but can't deny Adams has played well, given max effort and seems like a great guy and a great teammate. Hope you caught the rare "double Kiwi" encounter the other night when two of your countrymen faced off in the Pels/Raptors game...

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Thanks for the warm welcome new city champ and everyone :)

Yeah, I was stoked the commentators recognised the "double kiwi" clash the other night. The Aussies have tried to claim Aaron Baynes in the same way they tried to steal Russell Crowe, Lorde, and the Flat White off us.