New Orleans Pelicans Roster 2021-22: A Complete Guide

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021-22 NBA season with a mix of hope and uncertainty. After a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, marked by inconsistency and underperformance, the team looked to reshape its identity and compete for a playoff spot in the challenging Western Conference. With a roster blending established stars, promising young players, and strategic additions, the Pelicans aimed to build a cohesive and competitive unit. This article delves into the complete roster of the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2021-22 season, providing an in-depth look at each player, their roles, and the overall composition of the team.

Guard

Devonte' Graham

Devonte' Graham joined the Pelicans with the expectation of providing instant offense and playmaking. Known for his scoring ability and court vision, Graham was envisioned as a key piece in the Pelicans' backcourt. His role was to alleviate some of the offensive pressure on Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, offering a reliable scoring threat from the perimeter. Throughout the season, Graham showcased his ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, contributing valuable points and assists. His shooting efficiency and decision-making were crucial factors in determining the team's offensive success in various games. Moreover, Graham's presence brought a level of experience and leadership that helped stabilize the team during crucial moments.

Kira Lewis Jr.

Kira Lewis Jr. entered the season with high hopes of further developing his game and contributing more significantly to the team. As a young and athletic guard, Lewis possessed the potential to become a dynamic playmaker and scorer. His role was to provide energy off the bench and utilize his speed and agility to create scoring opportunities in transition. However, his season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn ACL, which sidelined him for an extended period. Prior to the injury, Lewis showed flashes of his potential, demonstrating his ability to attack the basket and make plays in the open court. The Pelicans eagerly await his return, anticipating his continued growth and contribution to the team's future success. Despite the setback, Lewis remains a valuable asset with a bright future in the league.

Tomas Satoransky

Tomas Satoransky brought a wealth of international and NBA experience to the Pelicans. Known for his versatility and basketball IQ, Satoransky was expected to provide stability and playmaking off the bench. His role was to facilitate the offense, defend multiple positions, and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Satoransky's ability to play both guard positions and contribute in various ways made him a valuable asset for the team. He often served as a calming presence on the court, helping to organize the offense and ensure that the team executed its game plan effectively. Although his scoring numbers may not have been eye-catching, his impact on the game extended beyond the box score, contributing to the team's overall performance.

Garrett Temple

Garrett Temple was brought in as a veteran presence and a reliable role player. Known for his defensive versatility and leadership, Temple was expected to provide valuable minutes off the bench and serve as a mentor to the younger players on the team. His role was to defend multiple positions, knock down open shots, and provide a steadying influence in the locker room. Temple's experience and professionalism were invaluable assets, helping to set the tone for the team's work ethic and commitment to improvement. He consistently demonstrated a high level of effort and dedication, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. While his statistical contributions may not have been significant, his impact on the team's culture and overall performance was undeniable.

Forward

Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram continued to be a focal point of the Pelicans' offense. As an All-Star caliber player, Ingram was expected to lead the team in scoring and playmaking. His role was to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, utilizing his length, agility, and shooting ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Ingram consistently demonstrated his ability to score from all three levels, making him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders. His improvement as a playmaker also allowed him to involve his teammates more effectively, contributing to a more balanced and dynamic offense. Ingram's leadership and consistency were crucial factors in determining the team's success, as he often rose to the occasion in critical moments.

Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson's absence due to injury was a significant blow to the Pelicans' aspirations. As one of the league's most exciting and dominant young players, Williamson was expected to be a central figure in the team's offense. His role was to score efficiently in the paint, dominate the boards, and draw attention from opposing defenses, creating opportunities for his teammates. Unfortunately, his foot injury kept him sidelined for the entire season, preventing him from making the impact that many had anticipated. The Pelicans eagerly await his return, hopeful that he will be able to regain his form and lead the team to new heights. Williamson's unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a potentially transformative player, and his presence on the court will be crucial for the team's future success.

Herbert Jones

Herbert Jones emerged as a valuable and versatile player for the Pelicans. As a rookie, Jones quickly impressed with his defensive tenacity and all-around game. His role was to provide energy off the bench, defend multiple positions, and contribute on both ends of the floor. Jones's ability to guard some of the league's top players earned him significant playing time and the respect of his teammates and coaches. His offensive game also showed promise, as he demonstrated the ability to knock down open shots and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Jones's emergence was a bright spot for the Pelicans, as he provided a glimpse of the team's potential future. His work ethic and dedication to improvement make him a valuable asset for the team moving forward.

Naji Marshall

Naji Marshall provided valuable depth and energy off the bench for the Pelicans. Known for his hustle and versatility, Marshall was expected to contribute in various ways, including rebounding, defending, and scoring. His role was to provide a spark whenever he entered the game, bringing a level of intensity and effort that helped lift the team. Marshall's willingness to do the dirty work and make hustle plays made him a valuable asset for the Pelicans. He consistently demonstrated a high level of effort and commitment, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. While his statistical contributions may not have been significant, his impact on the game extended beyond the box score, contributing to the team's overall performance.

Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy III was drafted to provide shooting and spacing for the Pelicans' offense. As a rookie, Murphy was expected to develop his game and contribute as a perimeter threat. His role was to knock down open shots, stretch the floor, and provide additional scoring off the bench. Murphy's shooting ability was a valuable asset, as it helped to create more space for his teammates to operate. As he gained more experience and confidence, his role was expected to expand, potentially becoming a key contributor in the team's rotation. Murphy's potential as a shooter and scorer makes him an intriguing prospect for the Pelicans' future.

Center

Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas was acquired to provide a reliable presence in the paint and on the boards. As a seasoned veteran, Valanciunas was expected to anchor the Pelicans' defense and provide consistent scoring and rebounding. His role was to protect the rim, control the glass, and score efficiently in the post. Valanciunas's size and strength made him a difficult matchup for opposing centers, and his rebounding prowess helped the Pelicans control possession and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents. His presence also provided a valuable veteran voice in the locker room, helping to guide and mentor the younger players on the team. Valanciunas's consistency and reliability were crucial factors in the Pelicans' success throughout the season.

Jaxson Hayes

Jaxson Hayes continued to develop as a promising young center for the Pelicans. Known for his athleticism and rim-running ability, Hayes was expected to provide energy and explosiveness off the bench. His role was to protect the rim, catch lobs, and score efficiently around the basket. Hayes's athleticism made him a difficult matchup for opposing bigs, and his ability to run the floor helped the Pelicans push the pace and create easy scoring opportunities. As he continued to refine his skills and develop his understanding of the game, his role was expected to expand, potentially becoming a key contributor in the team's rotation. Hayes's potential as a rim protector and scorer makes him an intriguing prospect for the Pelicans' future.

Willy Hernangomez

Willy Hernangomez provided valuable depth and experience in the frontcourt for the Pelicans. Known for his offensive skills and rebounding ability, Hernangomez was expected to contribute as a reliable backup center. His role was to score in the post, grab rebounds, and provide a physical presence inside. Hernangomez's offensive versatility and ability to score in a variety of ways made him a valuable asset for the Pelicans. He consistently demonstrated a high level of effort and commitment, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. While his playing time may have varied, his impact on the team's overall performance was undeniable, providing a spark whenever he entered the game.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Pelicans roster for the 2021-22 season was a blend of established stars, promising young players, and experienced veterans. While the season presented its challenges, including injuries and inconsistency, the team showed glimpses of its potential. The contributions of players like Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, and Herbert Jones were crucial in keeping the team competitive. As the Pelicans look to the future, the development of their young players and the return of Zion Williamson will be key factors in their quest to become a perennial contender in the Western Conference. The 2021-22 season served as a valuable learning experience, providing a foundation upon which the team can build and strive for greater success in the years to come. Understanding the roles and contributions of each player on the roster offers valuable insight into the team's dynamics and potential for growth.