Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans players Dante Cunningham (44) and Norris Cole (30) and Quincy Pondexter (20) and Jrue Holiday (11) and Ryan Anderson (33) wait to enter the game at the start of the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
29. New Orleans Pelicans
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 34.4
The Pelicans were the pleasant surprise of the Western Conference last season, after making the playoffs.
There are many reasons fans in New Orleans should be excited. After bringing in Alvin Gentry and signing their star Anthony Davis to an extension, there are many reasons to believe they will continue to improve. Their bench, however, is not one of those reasons.
Returning bench players: Ryan Anderson, Quincy Pondexter, Alexis Ajinca, and Dante Cunningham appear to be primary components of the Pelicans bench. None of those players blow you away by any means.
April 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Ryan Anderson can shoot and Pondexter is a good defender, but in a deep western conference depth can play a vital role in the case of injuries.
Speaking of injuries, the Pelicans always seem to have an issue with that. Jrue Holiday and Eric Gordon have both endured their fair share of injuries. Not to mention Anderson has also had a laundry list of ailments. If an injury takes down one of their key players, how prepared are they to fill in the gap?
Another issue is the back up point guard. The aforementioned Jrue Holiday has had one of the most injury riddled careers of the majority of young players in the NBA. Norris Cole performed admirably last season in his stead, helping the Pelicans make the playoffs. Only issue is he isn’t under contract.
Currently a free agent holding out for more money, it is unclear what the resolution may be. If the case turns out to be Cole’s departure, there are not a ton of viable back up point guard options.
At this point, there are just too many questions with the bench to believe that they will be better. Anthony Davis makes up for some of that, but as far as the bench is concerned – it will be rough sailing in The Big Easy.
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