Zion Williamson’s Bench Role Signals Shift in Pelicans’ Dynamics
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the midst of a challenging season, suffering their eighth consecutive defeat on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, which brings their record to a dismal 2-14. Despite leading by as much as 15 points and appearing in control for significant stretches of the game, the Pelicans ultimately fell short once again. Yet, amidst the struggle, there were glimmers of hope, particularly from the duo of Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, who stood out throughout the contest.
A Promising Pair Emerges
Queen and Fears showcased their talent once more, contributing significantly to the Pelicans’ competitive effort. Queen’s offensive prowess and Fears’ playmaking skills shone brightly, hinting at a promising future for the franchise. However, the most striking aspect of this game was Zion Williamson’s unexpectedly diminished role, especially during critical moments.
Williamson, a player often seen as the centerpiece of the Pelicans’ strategy, took only nine shots during his 30 minutes on the court, marking him as the least active starter in terms of field goal attempts. His usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass, was a mere 19.6%, trailing behind not only Fears and Queen but also Jose Alvarado. Despite this, Williamson managed to score 22 points, primarily due to his ability to get to the free-throw line, where he attempted 11 shots.
Clutch Moments Tell a Different Story
As the game entered its final five minutes, the Pelicans’ offensive strategy illustrated a significant shift in team dynamics. When it mattered most, the offense revolved around Queen, who took charge while Williamson remained on the periphery. Within that crucial stretch, Williamson managed only two field goals, although he did make an impressive and-one with two minutes to go and added two more points from the free-throw line after a steal.
In contrast, Queen and teammate Trey Murphy combined for nine shot attempts in those closing minutes. Perhaps the most telling moment of the night came in the final ten seconds, where Williamson found himself on the bench during a pivotal offensive possession. With the Pelicans trailing and needing a three-pointer to tie, head coach James Borrego opted to substitute in Jordan Hawkins for Williamson, opting for an additional shooter instead.
A Sign of Changing Times
This decision raises questions about Williamson’s standing within the team. Typically, superstars are not sidelined in clutch situations, making this substitution particularly noteworthy. The presence of Herb Jones on the court during that crucial moment further complicates the narrative—can he truly be considered a more effective offensive option than Williamson?
This decision may serve as a subtle message regarding the evolving identity of the Pelicans. The emergence of Queen and Fears suggests a potential pivot away from the Williamson-centric approach that has defined the team in previous years. If this game against the Mavericks serves as an indication, we may be witnessing the beginning of a new era in New Orleans basketball, one where Williamson’s role is redefined amidst a promising new foundation led by Fears and Queen.
