The reeling Pelicans continue to have trouble involving guard Trey Murphy III in the second halves of games, writes Rod Walker of NOLA.com. In one recent game against the Clippers, Murphy made just one bucket in the second half.
“Teams are making adjustments and they’re all over Trey,” head coach Willie Green said. “He’s doing a good job of continuing to play. When they guard him like they do, it allows other guys to be able to drive, to be able to get to the basket. The game opened up a bit more for CJ (McCollum) because of the gravity and attention they’re putting on Trey.”
There’s more out of New Orleans:
- McCollum helped New Orleans end an 11-game losing streak by tying his career high of 50 points in a 132-120 win against the Wizards on Friday, writes Walker in another piece. “CJ was fantastic,” Green said. “His professionalism off the court gives him an opportunity to step on the floor day in and day out and perform at a high level. … He had it going and we just wanted to continue getting the ball to him.” McCollum’s inspirational on-court achievement came in the wake of a devastating New Year’s Day terror attack in the city, as William Guillory of The Athletic writes.“Hopefully, it’s given people some hope, some joy,” Green said. “Maybe getting away from the difficulties we’ve all been facing the past day or so.”
- For now, McCollum claims to be unfazed by potential trade rumors during what’s looking like a lost season for the Pelicans, per Pelicans Film Room (Twitter video link). “After my third year, [The Ringer’s] Bill Simmons had me getting traded every week,” McCollum said (hat tip to Reice Shipley of Awful Announcing for the find). “This team values me and I’m sure other teams value me. I like the city. My wife likes the city. My kids are happy here… My value is going to be exactly where it needs to be.”
- In case you missed it, reserve Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado made his return to action Friday after a 23-game absence.
Pelicans need to blow it up. Murray mccollum Ingram zion can all fetch a lot of 1st round picks. I would love to see herb jones on mavs and zion with spurs with wemby
Not often I agree with some of the trade ideas floated on here. Not often people agree with mine either hahaha
Zion and Wemby with CP3 running the point under coach Pop that would be amazing.
Zion lacks defence but Wemby is arguably the best rim protector in the league. It’s not like Zion can’t make defensive plays either it’s just about staying locked in. Then offensively he struggles from deep and needs spacing and that’s exactly what Wemby would provide at the 5. Plus you’d have an amazing floor general point guard and a coach that plays a heavy pass and move fluid offence.
San Antonio would be setting themselves up to be a force for the next decade plus
That’s a huge assumption that Zion would/could stay healthy enough to excel and complement Wemby
Think atleast 50% of zooms injury is just made up or because he doesn’t want to play or cause he isn’t good shape. Think I’m a new situation with the right players around him and right coaches he’d be a new man
The Spurs do not like questionable work ethic and/or character guys. Don’t see them ponying up whatever it will cost to bring Zion in, especially since he should have a number of suitors looking to give him a change of scenery. And floor spacing is critical for the team.
Zion is not a Spurs type player…
They want dedicated and smart players…
Spurs would never trade for Zion. Nor does it look like Pops is coming back.
Pelicans will never become a winners. Until they get rid off their excess baggage. Zion and Ingram. It’s that simple.
Agreed here. As talented as those two are, entitlement has been enabled and neither is about the team/game.
They all overpaid. Paid off of false hype.