During the previous season, the New Orleans Pelicans faced tough competition in the highly competitive Western Conference. Despite achieving a respectable 49 wins during the regular season, they were unable to progress beyond the first round of the playoffs, succumbing to a four-game sweep by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Western Conference has long been known for its superiority, and the disparity with the Eastern Conference remains significant. While the Indiana Pacers, with 47 wins, reached the conference finals in the East, the Pelicans, with two more wins, couldn’t advance past the opening round due to facing stronger opponents.
New Orleans’ disappointment can be partly attributed to the formidable competition they encountered, but their roster composition also requires scrutiny. Much attention has been drawn to Brandon Ingram and his future with the team, particularly following his underwhelming performance in the playoffs.
Ingram struggled during the four games against the Thunder, averaging just 14.3 points on 34.5% shooting, sparking discussions about whether the team would fare better without him. However, the Pelicans face a larger issue than just Ingram, namely, CJ McCollum.
Since joining New Orleans in February 2022, McCollum has provided offensive firepower for a team missing Zion Williamson’s contributions. Although he helped the Pelicans reach the playoffs that year, they have failed to win a playoff game since then, exposing McCollum’s weaknesses more prominently. Despite playing as a point guard, McCollum’s playmaking abilities are modest, averaging only 4.6 assists per game last season.
Furthermore, McCollum’s stature at 6 feet 3 inches makes him undersized, affecting his defensive capabilities. His speed offensively doesn’t translate well to defense, frequently leading to defensive lapses that undermine his overall impact. While his offensive skills are commendable, they often don’t compensate for his defensive liabilities.
Overall, it’s imperative for the Pelicans to scrutinize McCollum more closely this offseason than Ingram. Despite Ingram’s playoff struggles, he has consistently contributed on both ends of the court. The Pelicans must seriously evaluate McCollum’s role in their future plans this summer.
