Following an exciting, albeit brief, postseason run this spring, the Pelicans face an intriguing 2022/23. The team expects to get 2021 All-Star forward Zion Williamson back from the foot injury that kept him sidelined last year, and hopes to build on the chemistry its players exhibited in their hard-fought six-game playoff loss to the Suns.
In a new mailbag, Will Guillory of The Athletic addresses questions about the team’s willingness to add 33-year-old All-Star forward Kevin Durant in a trade package centered around draft picks and young star forward Brandon Ingram; guard CJ McCollum‘s standing as a scorer in the NBA; the breakout potential of second-year small forward Trey Murphy III; and more.
There’s more out of the Southwest Division:
- Mavericks reserve guard Frank Ntilikina will not suit up for France in this year’s World Cup qualifiers or EuroBasket competition due to a lingering injury, per a statement from the French Federation of Basketball. Ntilikina showed off his defensive upside during his first season with Dallas, though he boasted relatively modest offensive numbers of 4.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG and 1.2 APG across 58 games.
- In a conversation with Andrei Felix of CNN Philippines (YouTube video link) young Rockets shooting guard Jalen Green spoke about the skills he’s been focused on developing during the 2022 offseason. Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic supplied the transcript (Twitter link). “I’ve been working on decision-making, tightening up my handle, and knowing what shots I want to get on the floor,” Green said. “Getting comfortable getting to my spots and just rising up. Catch-and-shoot.” He also preached patience to Houston fans hoping for a return to deep postseason runs. “We’re working,” Green continued. “We’re in the lab. We’re going to make sure this happens as soon as possible.” The second pick in the 2021 draft out of the G League Ignite, Green made the All-Rookie First Team while averaging 17.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 2.6 APG for a rebuilding 20-62 Rockets club.
- In case you missed it, the Rockets agreed to sign veteran center Willie Cauley-Stein to a one-year deal, with a chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Who do y’all think is gonna win the SW next year?
You
Memphis should win it ……
Dallas, NO are both better. Zion has to get his act together. Then all three could win 50 gms.
I don’t believe Dallas got better. Losing Brunson will hurt them. With Zion back and having something to prove from all the media bs I think the pels can win this division. Memphis is good as well but I really think we can beat ‘em as long as we stay healthy.
Memphis 100%
I like Green a lot. He seems like a good guy. Has the right attitude. Rockets got some good young foundation pieces. I agree with Green. Fans just have to be patient. Future looks bright.
Green will be an all nba player one day. His rookie year was a mixed bag but it was more his confidence than growing pains.
He set and broke records in both points and 3pts in his rookie year, I think he’ll be fine going forward. He seems humble but he needs to be sure of his talent to elevate.
Offensive he’ll be top from 21 class in future. But overall he’ll have some competition as Mobley, Cade and even Barnes will have something to say. Either was at least 5-10 of this class will go far.