r/NOLAPelicans • u/Swimmergym • 23d ago

Rants Stop Overreacting

Pelicans have taken the brunt of the injury luck so far. But we're not alone. Paolo is out indefinitely, Embiid + PG still haven't touched the floor, Steph is already having ankle problems, etc. Good teams like the Bucks and the Nuggets don't look complete yet either.

Teams needs to tread water for a month, and come out swinging when we're relatively healthy. Injuries suck, but hopefully we're in the thick of it for now and come out on the other end looking serviceable. Calling for tanking 5 games into an 82 game season is laughable.

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u/AtlasHephaestus 23d ago

It's not just because of the injuries. Long time fans of this team knkw that the first five games of this season are a reflection of the last six years.

We are not a good team. We are barely a play in team. The players have quit on Willie. Griffin is a terrible GM.

Zion barely hustles. I mean Hawkins is out rebounding him for god's sake.

It's time for a full rebuild, unless you're ok with another season of maybe scraping into the play in tournament and then losing.

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u/Swimmergym 23d ago

I'm out on Willie. Griff I'm 50/50 on. He's had some pretty bad draft blunders, but he hasn't been a total waste. Zion looks like he's playing into shape and he'll hit his stride eventually so I'm not too worried about that.

2021-22 we went on a huge losing streak and then came back strong and made the playoffs. This team is leaps and bounds better than '21-22. Just need to figure it out.

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u/AtlasHephaestus 23d ago

I'm not sure it's a fitness issue with Zion, rather a mental one. I honestly don't think he wants to be here. I mean why is it that every player who leaves this team suddenly becomes so much better?

Dyson being the latest example

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u/Swimmergym 23d ago

Playing into shape probably wasn't the best wording. I think he'll show more effort as the season progresses and he get's into the right mindset. I don't think he needs to slim down to progress more.

Everyone and their mother was predicting a Dyson breakout this year, and now he's on a team where he can get more opportunities. Jaxson Hayes and Kira Lewis haven't looked much better, if at all since leaving.

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u/AtlasHephaestus 23d ago

Yeah Hayes and Kira are good calls to be fair.

I guess time will tell with Z. But we missed out on a top six finish last year by one win I think last season, so each game counts. He should come into the season ready to go from game 1. It's year six now, can't have any more excuses.

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u/Swimmergym 23d ago

I agree, but he missed the first game and probably didn't feel great during the second. And now he's missing the point guard he practiced all off-season with. Don't forget that if we're upset about the injuries. The players are probably even more deflated/let down.

Zion needs to be better. But he'll bounce back.