Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram didn’t practice on Thursday, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune tweets. Ingram is recovering from a hamstring strain that has kept him out of action since March 6. New Orleans has lost four of five games since Ingram was sidelined and will begin a three-game road trip at San Antonio on Friday. The team has listed Ingram as out for the opener of the trip.
We have more on the Pelicans:
- The team’s struggles without Ingram reinforces the need to keep him on the court by any means necessary, Scott Kushner of NOLA.com opines. They may have to reduce his playing time, or Ingram may need to get stronger this offseason. New Orleans is 3-16 in the games he has missed.
- Jaxson Hayes has expanded his offensive game this season, which complicates the team’s long-term picture, William Guillory of The Athletic writes. Hayes has thrived at power forward and would have to move back to center on a regular basis once Zion Williamson returns from injury, whether this season or next. Both players are eligible for rookie scale extensions this summer and the Pelicans will have to decide whether to lock up Hayes long-term or see how the situation plays out.
- Jose Alvarado (finger) and Devonte’ Graham (hip) are listed as questionable to play on Friday, Andrew Lopez of ESPN tweets.
- One bright spot for the club in the Pelicans’ loss to Phoenix on Wednesday was the return of CJ McCollum. After exiting the league’s health and safety protocols, McCollum played 32 minutes, scored 21 points and dished out nine assists.
Jaxson has looked amazing at PF. Super impressive, especially considering the rough circumstances surrounding his previous off-season. Its clear that PF is his best position, and he has a legitimate case to be a long standing starting PF in this league. If Zion does indeed come back next season, I can see the Pelicans shopping Jaxson to a potentially PF needy team such as the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it may be wise for the Pelicans to extend Jaxson Hayes themselves, and have a solid backup and insurance policy to Zion, in the event that Zion is traded or gets hurt (again). Regardless, I’m really happy for the kid and proud of him. He’s put himself in a great spot moving forward, and his good play comes at a good time, with him being extension eligible. Bravo, Jaxson.
At 6’ 11” he will NEVER play the 4. He’s not gifted enough. Got no handle.
Do you even watch basketball lol. Cause it’s plain you never played it. Try the MLB board. You can use all the espn takes there.
You drunk again Alex? Or just making up for the playground bully days?
Great observation. Jason is better suited in this lineup as a 4. He has a underrated three ball to help stretch the floor and can attack the rim with 3 or less dribbles. Still needs to work on off ball defense awareness. He really gets lost at times but is the perfect interchangeable backup for JV and Zion. His on ball defense is severely underrated and he will only get better.
CJ sinc joining the Pels …….
35 mins, 27 pts
CJ since joining the Pels …….
35 mins, 27 pts, 7 ast, 5.5 reb
shooting .527% FG, .602% 2pt FG,
.404% 3PT
Now there’s a Hawk Homer here. Who thought CJ wasn’t worth it. Well I disagree . Cause I’ve been saying it since last yr.
Collins. , Cam, Bogdanovic.
CJ takes all the pressure and focus OFF Tre. That simple. A vet who knows how to and wants to win.
Alvarado 1.3 steals
In 14 mpg …
I agree with Al here
Foot speed and
Dribbling ability are needed to play either forward positions in the Association
The more skills the better. Problem is, Hayes is already doing well at the 4 and his onoff and the team W-L backs it up. The center Jonas V is the handler/passer and often plays high.
Anyway I’m talking NBA while AL refers to his special league inside his head.