New Orleans Pelicans Roster 2022: Players & Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans had an exciting 2022 season, guys! Let's dive into their roster from that year and see what made them tick. We’ll break down the key players, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and see how they fit together. If you're a Pelicans fan or just curious about the team, this is the place to be!

Point Guards

The point guard position is crucial for any team, setting the pace and running the offense. In 2022, the Pelicans had a few options at this spot.

• CJ McCollum: While primarily a shooting guard, McCollum's playmaking ability allowed him to handle point guard duties effectively. Acquired mid-season, he brought a scoring punch and veteran leadership to the team. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others made him a valuable asset. Defensively, he wasn't a lockdown defender but held his own. His presence significantly elevated the Pelicans' offensive capabilities, providing a reliable option in clutch situations and a mentor for the younger players. McCollum's impact extended beyond the court, as his experience and basketball IQ helped to guide the team's strategic decisions and foster a more cohesive playing environment. Furthermore, his ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities within the team showcased his versatility and commitment to the Pelicans' success. His addition was a game-changer.
• Devonte' Graham: Graham provided a scoring spark off the bench and could also start when needed. A capable shooter from beyond the arc, he stretched the floor and created space for others. However, his consistency could waver at times. Graham's role was primarily to provide instant offense and energy when he entered the game. He was known for his quick release and confidence in taking shots, even under pressure. While he wasn't the primary playmaker, he could initiate the offense and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he was active and tried to disrupt the opponent's rhythm. Overall, Graham was a valuable contributor to the Pelicans' rotation, offering a different dimension to their offensive attack and providing a reliable option when the starters needed a breather. He brought that spark!

Shooting Guards

The shooting guard's main job is to score, and the Pelicans had some talented players in this role.

• CJ McCollum: Again, McCollum played significant minutes at shooting guard, forming a dynamic backcourt duo with whoever was at point guard. His scoring prowess was undeniable. McCollum's ability to score from anywhere on the court made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He could hit shots from long range, attack the basket, and create opportunities for his teammates. His offensive repertoire was diverse, allowing him to adapt to different defensive schemes and find ways to score even when heavily guarded. McCollum's presence on the court also drew attention from defenders, opening up opportunities for his teammates to get open looks. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the Pelicans, helping them navigate through challenging situations and maintain their composure under pressure. He was a scoring machine!
• Trey Murphy III: A developing player with a sweet shooting stroke, Murphy showed flashes of potential as a floor spacer and defender. He needed to add strength and consistency to his game, but his upside was evident. Murphy's ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc made him a valuable asset to the Pelicans' offense. He could stretch the floor and create space for his teammates to operate. Defensively, he was active and showed a willingness to learn and improve. His length and athleticism allowed him to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes. As he continues to develop, Murphy has the potential to become a key contributor for the Pelicans, offering a combination of shooting, defense, and athleticism. He was a promising young talent.

Small Forwards

Small forwards need to be versatile, able to score, defend, and rebound. The Pelicans had a mix of players at this position.

• Brandon Ingram: A smooth scorer and playmaker, Ingram was a key offensive weapon for the Pelicans. His length and skill allowed him to score in a variety of ways. When healthy, he was a tough matchup for any defender. Ingram's offensive versatility was a major asset for the Pelicans. He could score from anywhere on the court, whether it was driving to the basket, pulling up for a mid-range jumper, or knocking down a three-pointer. His ability to create his own shot made him a valuable option in late-game situations. Ingram was also a capable playmaker, able to find his teammates for open looks. Defensively, he was solid and used his length to disrupt opponents. His overall impact on the game was significant, making him one of the Pelicans' most important players. He was a star player.
• Herbert Jones: Jones was a defensive-minded player who brought energy and toughness to the team. His offensive game was still developing, but his defensive contributions were invaluable. Jones was known for his relentless effort and willingness to do the dirty work. He was a tenacious defender who could guard multiple positions. His ability to disrupt the opponent's offense and create turnovers made him a valuable asset to the Pelicans' defense. Offensively, he was still developing but showed flashes of potential as a scorer and playmaker. His overall impact on the game was significant, as he brought a level of energy and intensity that was contagious. He was a defensive stopper!

Power Forwards

Power forwards need to be strong and physical, able to rebound and score in the paint.

• Zion Williamson: When healthy, Williamson was a dominant force. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him nearly unstoppable. However, injuries limited his time on the court. Williamson's impact on the game was undeniable. He was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, using his size and strength to score over defenders. His athleticism allowed him to finish with acrobatic dunks and grab rebounds over taller players. When healthy, he was one of the most exciting players in the league to watch. However, injuries have been a concern throughout his career, limiting his ability to consistently contribute to the team. He was a dominant force when healthy!
• Larry Nance Jr.: Acquired in the same trade as McCollum, Nance provided energy, rebounding, and versatility off the bench. He could play both power forward and center in smaller lineups. Nance's ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset to the Pelicans. He could provide a spark off the bench with his energy and athleticism. His rebounding and defensive skills were particularly valuable, helping the Pelicans control the boards and protect the paint. Offensively, he was a capable scorer and could knock down shots from beyond the arc. His overall versatility and willingness to do whatever it takes to win made him a valuable contributor to the team. He was a versatile player!

Centers

The center is the anchor of the defense and a key rebounder. The Pelicans had a couple of options at this position.

• Jonas Valanciunas: A traditional center, Valanciunas provided rebounding, scoring in the paint, and solid defense. He was a reliable presence in the middle. Valanciunas was a consistent and reliable player for the Pelicans. He provided a strong presence in the paint, scoring, rebounding, and defending at a high level. His size and strength made him a tough matchup for opposing centers. He was also a capable passer and could find his teammates for open looks. His overall consistency and reliability made him a valuable asset to the Pelicans. He was a reliable center!
• Jaxson Hayes: An athletic and energetic big man, Hayes showed potential as a rim protector and lob threat. He needed to improve his consistency and decision-making. Hayes' athleticism and energy made him an exciting player to watch. He could run the floor, jump high for rebounds, and block shots with ease. His potential as a rim protector and lob threat was evident. However, he needed to improve his consistency and decision-making to reach his full potential. As he continues to develop, Hayes has the potential to become a key contributor for the Pelicans. He was an athletic big man!

Key Takeaways

The 2022 New Orleans Pelicans roster had a lot of potential, with a mix of established stars and promising young players. The mid-season acquisition of CJ McCollum was a game-changer, and the emergence of players like Herbert Jones was a pleasant surprise. Of course, the biggest question mark revolved around the health of Zion Williamson.

When healthy and playing together, the Pelicans' starting lineup was a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to score, defend, and rebound at a high level made them a tough matchup for any team. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued the team throughout the season, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans needed to stay healthy and continue to develop their young players. If they could do that, they had the potential to be a contender in the Western Conference.

So, there you have it, folks! A look back at the New Orleans Pelicans roster from 2022. It was a season of ups and downs, but there's no doubt that the team had a bright future ahead. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!