New Orleans Pelicans Roster 2022-23: Players & Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans had an exciting 2022-23 season, showcasing a blend of young talent and veteran experience. This article dives deep into the Pelicans' roster from that season, analyzing each player's contribution and overall impact on the team. If you're a Pelicans fan or just a basketball enthusiast, you'll find valuable insights into the team's performance and the dynamics that shaped their journey. Let's get started and explore the roster that made waves in the NBA!

Point Guards

Leading the charge for the Pelicans at the point guard position, we had a dynamic duo of talent and experience. This position is crucial for dictating the pace of the game, initiating the offense, and providing leadership on the court. The point guards of the 2022-23 Pelicans roster brought a unique blend of skills to the table, contributing significantly to the team's overall performance.

• CJ McCollum: A seasoned veteran acquired by the Pelicans, CJ McCollum brought a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to the team. His ability to create his own shot, coupled with his playmaking skills, made him a primary ball-handler and offensive catalyst. McCollum's presence provided stability and a reliable scoring option, especially in crucial moments of the game. Beyond his on-court contributions, McCollum's leadership and mentorship were invaluable for the younger players on the roster. He averaged impressive stats, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills, solidifying his role as a key player for the Pelicans.
• Kira Lewis Jr.: A young and athletic point guard, Kira Lewis Jr. offered a different dimension to the Pelicans' offense. His speed and agility allowed him to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. While still developing his overall game, Lewis Jr. showed flashes of potential as a dynamic playmaker and scorer. His ability to push the pace and attack the basket provided a spark off the bench and added a layer of unpredictability to the Pelicans' offense. As he continues to hone his skills, Lewis Jr. has the potential to become a valuable asset for the team in the years to come. His development was closely monitored, and the coaching staff focused on refining his decision-making and shooting accuracy.

The point guard position was a critical component of the Pelicans' offensive strategy, with McCollum providing veteran leadership and scoring, while Lewis Jr. offered a glimpse into the future with his athleticism and potential. Their combined efforts contributed to the team's ability to compete and create scoring opportunities throughout the season.

Shooting Guards

The shooting guard position for the 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans featured players known for their scoring ability and perimeter defense. These players were instrumental in spacing the floor and providing additional scoring options alongside the primary ball-handlers. Their contributions on both ends of the court were vital to the team's success.

• Brandon Ingram: While primarily a small forward, Brandon Ingram often played at the shooting guard position, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability. Ingram's smooth offensive game, combined with his improved shooting range, made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, coupled with his playmaking skills, allowed him to contribute in multiple ways. Ingram's presence on the court elevated the Pelicans' offense, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates was a major asset. He consistently delivered high-scoring performances and demonstrated his growth as a complete player. His ability to adapt to different positions highlighted his value to the team.
• Trey Murphy III: A rising star for the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III quickly became known for his sharpshooting and athleticism. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc provided valuable spacing for the offense, and his defensive effort made him a reliable two-way player. Murphy III's growth throughout the season was evident, as he gained confidence and expanded his offensive repertoire. His contributions off the bench were significant, and his potential as a future starter was clear. He consistently improved his shooting percentages and demonstrated his commitment to becoming a more well-rounded player. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious, making him a fan favorite and a valuable member of the team.

The shooting guards on the Pelicans roster provided a mix of scoring, versatility, and defensive effort, contributing to the team's overall competitiveness and success. Ingram's scoring prowess and Murphy III's sharpshooting were key components of the Pelicans' offensive attack.

Small Forwards

The small forward position is often occupied by versatile players who can score, defend, and create plays. For the 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans, the small forwards brought a combination of skill sets that contributed to the team's overall balance and effectiveness.

• Herbert Jones: Known for his defensive prowess and hustle, Herbert Jones quickly became a fan favorite in New Orleans. His ability to guard multiple positions, coupled with his relentless effort, made him a valuable asset on the defensive end of the court. While not a primary scorer, Jones contributed offensively with his cutting and passing, complementing the team's offensive stars. His defensive intensity and commitment to team play were instrumental in the Pelicans' success. He consistently took on the toughest defensive assignments and demonstrated his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. His development as an offensive player was also noticeable, as he improved his shooting and decision-making throughout the season. His impact on the team extended beyond the box score, making him an indispensable part of the Pelicans' roster.
• Naji Marshall: A versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways, Naji Marshall provided valuable depth and energy off the bench. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him a Swiss Army knife for the Pelicans, capable of filling in wherever needed. Marshall's hustle and determination were evident in every game, and his willingness to do the dirty work made him a valuable role player. His contributions often went unnoticed, but his impact on the team was undeniable. He consistently made hustle plays and demonstrated his commitment to the team's success. His versatility allowed the coaching staff to utilize him in various lineups, adding flexibility to the Pelicans' rotations.

The small forwards on the Pelicans roster provided a mix of defensive intensity, versatility, and hustle, contributing to the team's overall competitiveness and balance. Jones' defensive prowess and Marshall's versatility were key components of the Pelicans' success.

Power Forwards

The power forward position is known for its blend of strength, rebounding, and scoring ability. For the 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans, the power forwards brought a combination of these attributes, contributing to the team's frontcourt presence and overall effectiveness.

• Zion Williamson: A dominant force when healthy, Zion Williamson is a generational talent with the ability to score at will and dominate the paint. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders. When on the court, Williamson elevates the Pelicans' offense to another level, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His impact on the game is undeniable, and his potential is limitless. His ability to draw fouls and finish at the rim makes him a constant threat, and his presence on the court commands attention from opposing defenses. His development as a playmaker was also evident, as he improved his passing and decision-making throughout the season. When healthy, Williamson is a game-changer and a cornerstone of the Pelicans' franchise.
• Larry Nance Jr.: Acquired by the Pelicans, Larry Nance Jr. brought valuable experience and athleticism to the frontcourt. His ability to rebound, defend, and score in transition made him a valuable addition to the team. Nance Jr.'s energy and hustle were contagious, and his willingness to do the dirty work made him a fan favorite. His presence provided a boost to the Pelicans' frontcourt depth and added a layer of toughness to the team. He consistently made hustle plays and demonstrated his commitment to the team's success. His ability to play multiple positions allowed the coaching staff to utilize him in various lineups, adding flexibility to the Pelicans' rotations.

The power forwards on the Pelicans roster provided a mix of dominance, athleticism, and experience, contributing to the team's frontcourt presence and overall competitiveness. Williamson's scoring ability and Nance Jr.'s versatility were key components of the Pelicans' success.

Centers

The center position is traditionally known for its size, rebounding, and interior defense. For the 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans, the centers brought a combination of these attributes, contributing to the team's frontcourt presence and overall effectiveness.

• Jonas Valanciunas: A veteran center known for his rebounding and scoring ability, Jonas Valanciunas provided a reliable presence in the paint for the Pelicans. His strength and physicality made him a tough matchup for opposing centers, and his ability to score from the low post added another dimension to the Pelicans' offense. Valanciunas' experience and leadership were also valuable assets, providing guidance and stability to the team. He consistently delivered solid performances and demonstrated his commitment to the team's success. His rebounding prowess was particularly valuable, as he consistently grabbed double-digit rebounds and helped the Pelicans control the boards. His presence in the paint made it difficult for opposing teams to score, and his ability to draw fouls created additional scoring opportunities for the Pelicans.

The centers on the Pelicans roster provided a mix of size, rebounding, and interior defense, contributing to the team's frontcourt presence and overall competitiveness. Valanciunas' reliability and experience were key components of the Pelicans' success.

Final Thoughts

The 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans roster showcased a blend of young talent and veteran experience, creating an exciting and competitive team. From the scoring prowess of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram to the defensive intensity of Herbert Jones and the dominance of Zion Williamson, each player contributed to the team's overall success. While the season had its ups and downs, the Pelicans demonstrated their potential as a rising force in the NBA. As the team continues to develop and build chemistry, the future looks bright for the New Orleans Pelicans and their passionate fanbase. Guys, remember this roster as a stepping stone towards future success!