New Orleans Pelicans Roster 2022-23: Players & Analysis

Hey Pelicans fans! Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans roster for the 2022-23 season. We'll break down each player, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and see how they fit into the team's overall strategy. This is your ultimate guide to understanding the team that took the league by storm!

Point Guards

Let's start with the floor generals, the playmakers, the guys who initiate the offense. The point guard position is crucial in today's NBA, and the Pelicans have a few interesting options here.

• CJ McCollum: Primarily a shooting guard, CJ McCollum is more than capable of handling the ball and running the offense. Acquired in a trade during the 2021-22 season, McCollum quickly became a vital part of the Pelicans' success. His scoring ability is undeniable; he can create his own shot, knock down threes, and get to the rim. But beyond scoring, McCollum brings a veteran presence and leadership to the team. He's a smart player who understands the game and makes good decisions with the ball. Defensively, he's not a lockdown defender, but he's improved in that area and works hard. His presence allows the team to space the floor and gives Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram more room to operate. For the 2022-2023 season, McCollum averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. His ability to score and facilitate makes him a crucial part of the Pelicans' offense. He provides a reliable scoring threat alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, making the Pelicans a difficult team to guard. One area where McCollum can improve is his consistency from beyond the arc. While he's a capable three-point shooter, his percentages can fluctuate. If he can become a more consistent threat from deep, it will open up even more opportunities for him and his teammates. McCollum's leadership and experience are invaluable to a young team like the Pelicans. He's a calming presence on the court and a mentor to the younger players. His ability to make smart decisions in crucial moments is something that can't be taught.
• Kira Lewis Jr.: A speedy and athletic point guard, Kira Lewis Jr. possesses tremendous upside. Unfortunately, his development has been hampered by injuries. When healthy, Lewis brings instant energy and a scoring punch off the bench. He's a blur in transition and can get to the basket with ease. His three-point shot is still a work in progress, but he's shown flashes of potential. Defensively, his quickness allows him to be disruptive, but he needs to add strength to be more effective against bigger guards. The Pelicans are hoping that Lewis can stay healthy and realize his potential. He has the tools to be a valuable contributor, but he needs consistent playing time to develop. His speed and athleticism provide a different dimension to the Pelicans' offense. He can push the pace and create easy opportunities for his teammates. Lewis needs to improve his decision-making and reduce turnovers. As he gains more experience, he should become more comfortable running the offense and making the right reads. The Pelicans' coaching staff has been working with Lewis on his shooting mechanics. If he can become a more reliable three-point shooter, it will make him a more complete offensive player. His defensive potential is also intriguing. With his quickness and agility, he has the potential to be a solid defender. He just needs to continue to work on his technique and add strength.

Shooting Guards

The shooting guard position is all about scoring, and the Pelicans have some talented players who can put the ball in the basket.

• Trey Murphy III: Trey Murphy III emerged as a reliable three-point shooter and a valuable role player for the Pelicans. His length and athleticism allow him to defend multiple positions, and he's shown a willingness to do the dirty work. Murphy's biggest strength is his three-point shooting. He's a knockdown shooter off the catch, and he's improved his ability to shoot off the dribble. His consistency from beyond the arc makes him a valuable floor spacer for the Pelicans. Defensively, Murphy uses his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents. He's a solid defender on the perimeter and can also provide help defense in the paint. He's a willing rebounder and doesn't shy away from contact. As he continues to develop, Murphy has the potential to become a key contributor for the Pelicans for many years to come. His shooting, defense, and athleticism make him a valuable asset. The Pelicans' coaching staff has been working with Murphy on his ball-handling and decision-making. If he can improve in these areas, it will make him a more complete offensive player. His ability to defend multiple positions is also a valuable asset in today's NBA. He can guard smaller, quicker guards as well as bigger forwards. Murphy's work ethic and dedication have impressed the Pelicans' coaching staff. He's always looking for ways to improve his game and help the team win. His attitude and willingness to learn make him a valuable presence in the locker room.

Small Forwards

Small forwards need to be versatile, capable of scoring, defending, and rebounding. The Pelicans have a star at this position.

• Brandon Ingram: Brandon Ingram is one of the Pelicans' cornerstone players. A smooth and skilled scorer, Ingram can score from anywhere on the court. He's a crafty ball-handler, a good passer, and has improved his three-point shooting. Ingram is also a solid defender, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents. Ingram's offensive versatility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He can score in isolation, in the pick-and-roll, and in transition. He's also a capable playmaker, able to create opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, Ingram has improved his awareness and effort. He's a solid defender on the perimeter and can also provide help defense in the paint. The Pelicans rely heavily on Ingram to be a consistent scorer and playmaker. He's one of their primary offensive options and needs to be at his best for the team to succeed. Ingram's biggest area for improvement is his consistency from three-point range. While he's shown flashes of being a good shooter, he needs to become more reliable from beyond the arc. The Pelicans' coaching staff has been working with Ingram on his decision-making and leadership. As he gains more experience, he should become more comfortable taking on a leadership role. His ability to score, create, and defend makes him one of the most valuable players on the team. Ingram's presence on the court makes the Pelicans a much more dangerous team. Opposing defenses have to account for him at all times, which opens up opportunities for his teammates.

Power Forwards

The power forward position is about strength, rebounding, and inside scoring. The Pelicans have one of the most exciting young players in the league at this spot.

• Zion Williamson: Zion Williamson is a force of nature. When healthy, he's one of the most dominant players in the NBA. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism is unmatched. Williamson is a relentless scorer, a powerful rebounder, and an improving playmaker. Staying healthy has been a challenge for Williamson, but when he's on the court, he's a game-changer. His ability to score in the paint is unparalleled. He can bully his way to the basket, finish with power, and draw fouls at an alarming rate. Williamson is also a surprisingly good passer, able to find open teammates when he's double-teamed. Defensively, Williamson has shown flashes of potential. He's a strong rebounder and can use his athleticism to disrupt opponents. The Pelicans' success hinges on Williamson's health and availability. When he's on the court, they're a completely different team. Williamson needs to continue to work on his conditioning and injury prevention. Staying healthy is the key to him reaching his full potential. The Pelicans' coaching staff has been working with Williamson on his shooting and decision-making. If he can improve in these areas, it will make him an even more unstoppable force. His presence in the paint opens up opportunities for his teammates on the perimeter. Opposing defenses have to commit so much attention to him that it creates open shots for others. Zion's return to form is key to the Pelicans post season hopes.

Centers

The center position is about rim protection, rebounding, and inside scoring. The Pelicans have a solid veteran at this position.

• Jonas Valanciunas: Jonas Valanciunas is a strong and reliable center who provides the Pelicans with rebounding, scoring, and interior defense. He's a veteran presence who brings toughness and experience to the team. Valanciunas is a skilled scorer in the post, with a variety of moves and a soft touch around the basket. He's also a good rebounder, using his size and strength to control the boards. Defensively, Valanciunas is a solid rim protector and a physical presence in the paint. Valanciunas' consistency and reliability are invaluable to the Pelicans. He's a player they can count on to provide solid production every night. Valanciunas needs to continue to work on his perimeter defense. In today's NBA, centers need to be able to switch onto smaller, quicker players. The Pelicans' coaching staff has been working with Valanciunas on his conditioning and mobility. Improving his conditioning will allow him to play more minutes and be more effective on both ends of the court. His presence in the paint deters opponents from driving to the basket. He's a physical defender who makes it difficult for opponents to score inside. Valanciunas' rebounding is also a key to the Pelicans' success. He gives them second-chance opportunities on offense and limits their opponents' opportunities on offense.

Other Notable Players

• Herb Jones: A defensive specialist, Herb Jones quickly became a fan favorite for his hustle and tenacity. He's a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and is always willing to take on the toughest assignments.
• Naji Marshall: Naji Marshall is an energy guy who brings intensity and toughness to the team. He's a versatile player who can contribute in a variety of ways.
• Jose Alvarado: Jose Alvarado is a sparkplug off the bench who provides instant energy and defensive intensity. He's a pesky defender who loves to get under his opponents' skin.

Overall Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans roster for the 2022-23 season was filled with talent and potential. With a healthy Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way, along with a solid supporting cast, the Pelicans had the potential to be a force in the Western Conference. The team's success depended on their ability to stay healthy, develop their young players, and play together as a team. The Pelicans had a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Players like CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas provided experience and stability, while players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones brought athleticism and upside. The Pelicans' coaching staff did a good job of developing the team's young players. Players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III made significant strides and became valuable contributors. The Pelicans' biggest challenge was staying healthy. Zion Williamson missed a significant amount of time due to injury, and other players also missed games. When the Pelicans were healthy, they were a very difficult team to beat. Their ability to score, rebound, and defend made them a threat to any opponent. The Pelicans' future looks bright. With a core of young, talented players, they have the potential to be a contender for many years to come. Their success will depend on their ability to stay healthy, continue to develop their players, and build a strong team culture. Guys, the New Orleans Pelicans are on the rise!