https://defpen.com/new-orleans-pelic...e-masterpiece/
Pretty good article here on the defensive potential of the Pelicans this upcoming season. Obviously, we've all talked about how amazing we could be defensively, but this article lays it all out pretty clearly. I think it makes a few mistakes (it implies near the end of the article that we don't have enough shooters and might struggle to score, which is funny because we have 3 proven NBA 40%+ shooters, are adding another Euroleague 40%+ shooter, a college career 38% shooter, and were able to score without shooting last season anyway) but its defensive analysis is pretty good. Here's a few excerpts:
''It all starts in the backcourt, where The Big Easy may harbor the most fearsome defensive guard duo in the entire league.
Jrue Holiday, the only remaining piece from the previous regime, has taken his game to a whole new level in the past two years, on both sides of the ball. He has featured on All-Defensive squads in both seasons, and has quickly become known as one of the hardest shooting guards to score on. [...]
Joining him in the backcourt will be
Lonzo Ball. Despite coming under a mountain of criticism for his offensive shortcomings, there is little to be debated about the zeal in which he defends.
Ball finished the season third among all guards in defensive player impact plus/minus, outranking lockdown specialists like Pat Beverley, Marcus Smart, and Eric Bledsoe in one of the most reliable defensive metrics around.''
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'Brandon Ingram took steps toward stardom on both ends of the floor last season, particularly defensively. He isn’t at the level of some of his starting five counterparts, but if Ingram, with his long limbs and his ability to stay in front of guards or forwards, is your weakest link, things are looking scary.''
''While Ball, Holiday, and Ingram all have seam-bursting potential, the hype they provide isn’t even the same stratosphere as
Zion Williamson. The first selection in this year’s draft, Williamson’s blend of size, strength, and unfathomable athleticism has captivated the attention of every hoops fan there is.
A devastating force on the offensive end, Williamson might be just as impactful on defense. With his marriage of size and nimbleness, the 6-foot-7, 285 lb giant will be able to guard any position on the floor effectively. [...]
he will rip schemes asunder with his versatility. His ability to rocket into passing lanes and burst onto the fast break will also give opposing coaches the sweats.''
''Rounding out what is an already daunting starting unit is
Derrick Favors. Playing next to the Stifle Tower Rudy Gobert suppressed his ability to individually shine on defense, but he still managed to post the highest defensive box plus/minus of his career, while
ranking fourth among all power forwards in defensive real plus/minus. [...]The big man also defends exceptionally in space, making him even more dangerous.''
Reading that makes it sound like our starting lineup is basically a defensive superhero squad. Which is awesome. It's great that non-Pelicans media is writing up articles about our franchise that begin and end with COMPLIMENTS.