New Orleans Pelicans: 5 Reasons For Their Early-Season Struggles

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Ryan Anderson

On paper, he’s the best bench player in the league. On paper he’s averaging 18 points and seven rebounds per game. On paper, there’s no way he’s hurting them. But numbers lie.

When Ryan Anderson enters the game he has the green light to do whatever he wants. When he touches the ball, everybody in the world knows he’s not passing. It doesn’t matter if he’s double-teammed or how the defense is set up, he’s jacking it up. He’s a poor defensive-rebounder, he’s a streaky shooter, and he’s not a good defender. Team’s go on their run when he’s in the game, because he can’t rebound, which leads to second chance points, and he kills the offense.

He shouldn’t be the go-to player off the bench, it should be Alexis Ajinça. He’s a 7-foot-2 beast that has the footwork of a guard. His shot selection is a million times better than Ryan Anderson’s because majority of his shots are within 10 feet from the basket!

When given the confidence and opportunity, Ajinça can be an efficient 14 point/8 rebound a game player like he was when Anthony Davis was hurt last season.

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