New Orleans Pelicans 2023 Forecast: Changes; Depth Chart; Strength & Weakness
Additions:
- Cody Zeller
- Jordan Hawkins
Losses:
- Jaxon Hayes
Forecast Depth Chart:
- C.J. McCollum | Jose Alvarado
- Herb Jones | Jordan Hawkins | Kira Lewis
- Brandon Ingram | Trey Murphy | Dyson Daniels
- Zion Williamson | Larry Nance Jr.
- Jonas Valanciunas | Cody Zeller | Willie Hernangomez
- Sixth Man: Jordan Hawkins
- Third Big: Herb Jones
Team Profile:
The Pelicans move as Zion Williamson moves, and Williamson tends to not move very much because he is constantly hurt. When the big man is on the court, the Pelicans will be excellent, as he’s a superstar, but again, he cannot stay healthy. Yes, the Pelicans have a lot of attractive pieces, but they aren’t built to win if he’s hurt. New Orleans should hope for a strong season because this is easily the strongest roster the organization has had around Zion yet, but again, things are predicated on him staying healthy.
Player Profile:
Brandon Ingram has become one of the most consistent and elite scorers in the NBA, which few have noticed, but that’s part of what makes Ingram special. There’s little noise when it comes to him. He would be a perfect second option on an excellent team, which is what the Pelicans have been hoping for, but Williamson cannot stay healthy. Ingram continues to improve, and he is also an elite playmaker at forward and shoots 39% from three; he’s almost a superstar.
