OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark
. 15-21. Previous: 23rd. New Orleans Pelicans. 23. team. 69
New Orleans Pelicans:
Week 11: 1-2
Won vs: Jazz 129-124
Lost to: Bulls 124-128, Heat 93-103
Week 12 opponents: Wolves, Cavs, Clippers
Offense: (115.6) 6th
Defense: (116.3) 29th
Net: (Minus -0.6) 21st
The Pelicans got a massive win over the Jazz heading into the break but also suffered losses that at least in one case (Bulls) should’ve been a victory.
That loss points out the biggest issue Stan Van Gundy is facing with this young talented squad. Specifically, in spite of possessing two players who’ve now each appeared in an All-Star Game and other quality assets they fail to provide consistent performances Most egregiously the Pelicans have the talent to be so much better on the defensive end of the hardwood but rank 29th.
One need only observe how Tom Thibodeau has the Knicks performing and gaining wins specifically because they’ve bought in defensively to understand why this team is considered to be underperforming.
Likewise, the OKC Thunder are another example of a team that consistently brings a defensive effort and is often in games against clubs possessing deeper rosters and greater talent.
At the heart of these concerns is the question of team culture and identity. Clearly, SVG and the Pelicans have deeper issues to resolve moving forward.