2013-14 NBA Bench Power Rankings
By Alex Siquig
Feb 27, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard Austin Rivers (25) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Hasheem Thabeet (34) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
15. New Orleans Pelicans
The first season as the Pelicans! I see the logjam of ball-dominating guards shaking out in one of these scenarios:
Scenario 1
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Tyreke Evans
Scenario 2
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Eric Gordon
Sixth Man: Tyreke Evans
Scenario 3
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Tyreke Evans
Injured: Eric Gordon
Obviously Holiday is the big name here, he’s a literal “All-Star” after all, and though he’s not as good as his reputation, he’s plenty good, and is still a few years away from his expected prime. If all shakes out as it should, Evans will be the super-sixth man and can worry more about being an unstoppable scoring machine and leading fellow bench-ites Ryan Anderson (himself an amazing offensive player) and the victim of my irrational and unfair loathing, Austin Rivers. I really can’t stand that guy, but he had a really good summer league, which is something, I guess.
There are rumors the Pelicans are setting their sights on Josh Childress, and if they can swing a deal for the Josh Childress that was such an animated sparkplug for the Hawks circa 2008, then hell, that’s a deal! Anthony Morrow has one of the absolute most beautiful three point shots in the history of the world. He’s not athletic, can’t defend quicker or bigger players, and has some major issues dribbling the ball, but he’s a downright majestic shooter. The Pelicans will soon be running gigantic oversized Morrow heads down the sidelines if they get this guy the ball half as many times as Chris Paul used to get Peja the ball. In short, the Pelicans will be a gas to watch, and are a dark horse candidate for most improved lottery team. Also a dark horse candidate for complete disaster.