New Orleans Pelicans 2021/2022 Season Preview – The Peak of Mt Zion

Bad Men, Bad Takes – Season 1, Episode 22

A team with sky-high potential thanks to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the New Orleans Pelicans have failed in recent years to translate their talent into Playoff appearances.

Whether this is the season that changes remains to be seen, but things certainly didn’t look positive in the eyes of the BMBT office when the Franchise opted to let Lonzo Ball walk to the Chicago Bulls and brought in Devonte Graham as a likely replacement.

“I was happy when Devonte left Charlotte – he’s never shot above 40% FG in his career”, said Rafe.

“I felt like every time he got the ball last year, he jacked threes, and while he made some, I don’t think he’s a starting calibre guard in this league. I watched him for three full seasons in Charlotte – I don’t rate him to be honest”.

The BMBT office were not high on the acquisition of Devonte Graham. Credit: Crescent City Sports

The acquisition of Graham also left Hunter feeling un-enamoured, with BMBT’s resident bad man believing he was simply a bad consolation prize.

“I think Lonzo leaving was a done deal. The Pelicans wanted Lowry but struck out in that regard. I still don’t think Devonte is the guy they should’ve gone for thought”, he said.

As for the positives for the Pelicans heading into the season, it undoubtedly starts with Zion Williamson. The young phenom looms as being able to take another step this season, with Ben believing the star forwards output could increase again under the leadership of Willie Green.

“I can see him putting up over 30ppg this season”, he said. “He has all the tools in his bag to do that, and that is without factoring in any potential improvement to his overall shooting game”

Listen to the full show podcast to hear whether the front office has let the team down in recent years, whether this is Ingram or Zion’s team, the impact Jonas Valanciunas will have, the potential of Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker as well as an update on the return to the court of our very own, Ben!

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