As I sat down to analyze the New Orleans Pelicans' latest NBA season, I couldn't help but draw some fascinating parallels with what we've seen in other basketball leagues, particularly when I think about players like Policarpio in the PBA. Having followed basketball across different leagues for over a decade, I've developed this habit of looking beyond the surface numbers to understand what truly drives team performance. The Pelicans' season was particularly intriguing because it showcased both tremendous potential and some glaring weaknesses that need addressing.
Let me start by saying that Zion Williamson's health situation continues to be the single biggest factor determining this team's ceiling. When he played, the Pelicans looked like a legitimate playoff threat, but his absence for 29 games completely derailed their rhythm and offensive identity. I've always believed that a team's success hinges on their star player's availability, and Zion's situation reminds me of how Policarpio's limited minutes of just 13 per game in his first PBA conference affected his overall impact. The numbers tell a clear story - with Zion on the court, the Pelicans offensive rating jumped by 8.7 points per 100 possessions, which is massive when you consider they finished 12th in the conference standings.
The development of their young core, particularly Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, represents what I consider the second major takeaway. Murphy's transformation into a legitimate two-way threat has been remarkable to watch. His three-point percentage climbing to 43.8% while maintaining defensive versatility gives the Pelicans the kind of modern NBA wing every team covets. Jones, on the other hand, might be the best perimeter defender nobody talks about enough. I've charted his defensive possessions against elite scorers, and his ability to disrupt without fouling is something special. These two players developing alongside Zion creates what could become one of the league's most formidable young trios.
Now, here's where things get interesting from my perspective - the CJ McCollum situation. While his scoring average of 22.4 points looks solid on paper, I've noticed his efficiency declining in crucial moments. His true shooting percentage dropped to 56.3% this season, which isn't terrible but represents a concerning trend for a player who should be their secondary creator. This reminds me of how Policarpio's production dipped from 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in the Governors' Cup to just 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds entering that Phoenix match. Sometimes we focus too much on raw numbers without considering context and role changes.
The Pelicans' defensive scheme under Willie Green deserves more credit than it's getting. They finished 8th in defensive rating despite not having a traditional rim protector, which speaks volumes about their coaching staff's ability to implement a system that maximizes their personnel. I've studied their defensive rotations extensively, and the way they use Jones and Murphy to switch and help is genuinely innovative. They forced the fourth-most turnovers in the league while committing the second-fewest fouls, which is an incredibly difficult balance to achieve.
What really surprised me was their performance in clutch situations - games within five points in the final five minutes. They posted a 52.8% win rate in these scenarios, which is respectable but not elite. However, when you dig deeper, you notice concerning patterns in their late-game execution. Too often, the offense devolved into isolation plays rather than the ball movement that characterized their best stretches. This is where I believe they need to make strategic adjustments, perhaps looking at how successful teams like the Warriors maintain their offensive principles under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans face some crucial decisions this offseason. They have all their future first-round picks plus additional assets from the Lakers, giving them flexibility to either build patiently or pursue another star. From my experience covering NBA teams, this is the kind of crossroads that can define a franchise for years. Do they package assets for an established veteran, or continue developing their young core? Personally, I'd lean toward patience, given that Murphy and Jones are still on team-friendly contracts and haven't reached their peaks yet.
The comparison to Policarpio's situation with NLEX keeps coming back to me as I reflect on the Pelicans' season. Sometimes we get so caught up in individual game performances that we miss the broader development arc. Policarpio's fluctuating numbers - from 13 minutes and 6.6 points to 4.1 points in different stretches - mirror how the Pelicans had stretches where they looked like world-beaters followed by puzzling performances. This inconsistency is typical of young teams, but the great organizations find ways to minimize these swings.
What gives me optimism about the Pelicans' future is their organizational stability and the clear identity they're building. They've committed to length, versatility, and defensive intensity, which are the building blocks of sustainable success in today's NBA. While they might not be championship contenders yet, they're closer than many realize. With better health luck and continued development from their young players, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a significant leap next season. The foundation is there - now it's about refining the details and maintaining the patience to see this project through.
