We’re continuing our series where we take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies’ opponents. Let’s see how they match up with the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans made a trade a few years back that totally transformed the Los Angeles Clippers from laughingstocks to legitimate contenders. Does anyone remember what New Orleans got back in return in that trade? They received Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and Al-Farouk Aminu plus the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2012 first round pick. That pick turned out to be Austin Rivers of all people – who also ended up being trade to the Clippers.
All in all, the trade was a disaster for New Orleans.
Late last season, the Pelicans made a trade they hope will reverse their slide into obscurity when they acquired DeMarcus Cousins from Sacramento. Pairing Cousins with Anthony Davis gave the Pelicans the best two big men in the game. The Pelicans also re-signed Jrue Holiday and added Rondo in the offseason. The question is can the centers and point guards co-exist?
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG – Rajon Rondo
SG – Jrue Holiday
SF – E’Twaun Moore
PF – Anthony Davis
C – DeMarcus Cousins
Advantage for the Grizzlies
Rondo and Holiday starting in the backcourt is a problem for the Pelicans. Both players are traditional point guards more than combo guards. Both have been All-Stars, so they are also used to leading their team. None of those traits lead to a balanced backcourt situation.
Rondo has a reputation as a negative locker room influence. Holiday, who the Pelicans signed to a five-year, $126M in the off-season, will likely be moved to shooting guard where he’s less effective. Rondo’s talents include rebounding – which won’t be needed with the Pelicans’ bigs – and passing. Rondo is also a poor shooter.
The Memphis Grizzlies have Mike Conley, who’s superior to either Holiday or Rondo as a point guard. Wayne Selden, Tyreke Evans and Troy Daniels provide more offensive firepower, as well.
The Memphis Grizzlies have a big advantage at small forward as well. Chandler Parsons and Tyreke Evans’ knee histories are worrisome, but they should still outperform E’twaun Moore. The Pelicans are cap-strapped and have no more money to offer a real 3-and-D guy, which is needed with Cousins and Davis clogging the middle.
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Advantage for the Pelicans
The Memphis Grizzlies struggled with the combination of Davis and Cousins last season. Without Zach Randolph, those problems may be intensified. Both Pelicans’ bigs can drift out to the arc, but their rebounding and inside games will be the real fear for most teams.
Gasol knows how to handle Cousins, but Davis is too fast for Marc to stay in front of on defense. Both players have had huge offensive games against Memphis in the past. The question mark at power forward goes from an irritant to a pain against New Orleans. It has been a while since Memphis worried about being dominated in the paint. This could be the exact worry the Grizzlies have against the Pelicans.
Next: Projecting 2K ratings for each Grizzly
Closing Remarks
Memphis should dominate the matchups against New Orleans as Cousins and Davis haven’t shown the ability to play together. The Pelicans backcourt looks like a disaster waiting to happen.
The Pelicans’ bench is also very thin on paper. New Orleans really won’t be able to play their best players together for maximum impact – at least not if they want to get the best results. That could be a problem.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ depth and clearly defined roles at most positions should be more than enough to handle the Pelicans.