AROUND the NBA: Pat Bev Suspended 4 Games Next Season| PHX Fires Vogel

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Ingram played very poorly throughout the game and took a lot low-quality shots.  He had some nice passes but took too many contested, mid-range jumpers early in the clock.  The Pelicans made their runs mostly when he was on the bench.  Ingram and Zion just don't fit well together at all so I understand why Willie Green chose to sit Ingram while Zion was dominating.  

Once Zion exited the game though, it was idiocy to not have Ingram in the game.  That left only CJ McCollum to create offense.  I am sure Willie Green has his reasons for that decision.  My explanation though is that Willie Green is not a very good head coach.  He's a really likeable guy who the players love though.  David Griffin has emphasized a "family atmosphere" on the team.  That's been a priority.  Willie Green has made guys like Brandon Ingram and Zion like playing in New Orleans.  That does have a lot of value for a small market team.  

The Pelicans sans Zion are likely to be bounced out of the playoffs.  They'll have some serious decisions about Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Ingram and Willie Green this off-season.  I believe they would be wise to shake up the roster to better fit Zion this off-season.  I think a solid, established head coach like Budenholzer would also make them more formidable.  

Their roster has several young guys who will be better next season-  Trey Murphy, Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins especially.  With a few wise moves and another healthy Zion season, that team can be as good as anybody in the West.

Good points. They also need a PG. CJ is a SG, who is playing the point along with Zion who brings the ball up court and initiates the offense. The West is only going to get tougher with teams like Memphis (who suffered major injuries) Houston who showed major improvement, and N.O. who just needs a tweak or two, and will replace the old guard teams such as the Warriors.