This isn't by month (10 gm rolling averages), but Z starting to climb back towards former level.

-MP

Pels w/ another big win vs a bad team. Wanted to see MOV vs. each opponent's plus-minus this year (exclusive of Pels gms)

Upper left: Pels wins vs. Teams < 0
Upper right: Pels wins vs. Teams > 0

Bottom left: Pels losses vs. Teams < 0
Bottom right: Pels losses vs. Teams > 0

-MP

I enjoyed being teammates with Patrick Beverley for all of an hour and 45 minutes I'll never forget those times

#Indelible

Hard to take this Pelicans team seriously — they’re a seven-inning baseball team, they can’t handle the 8th and 9th.

I would argue that we slow down because the players are afraid to make mistakes against tighter defenses and resort to what is comfortable to them. We have several players that are natural ball-holders. I don't think Willie is telling them to hold the ball for isos. -MP

From MVP caliber to 'good starter'.

Some thoughts on Trey Murphy's role in the franchise's future and what I want to see.
-Michael Pellissier

Hey folks - in case you missed it, Shamit Dua & Mason Ginsberg been busy over the past few days breaking down the Pelicans' draft and other roster decisions for Boot Krewe Media! Thread of short video clips to follow...

Back from a podcasting hiatus to chat with Shamit Dua about the prospects of trading Zion, the risks involved, and what the fallout could be:

youtube.com/watch?v=RtEXyu…

Boot Krewe Media In the N.O. (+ a shout-out to JC’s Pops)

Tonight's topic: The media fallout of a potential Zion trade

Boot Krewe Media Mason Ginsberg

Full video at the link
youtu.be/RtEXyuVUi4s

The whole thing is a great read (Pelicans fans who haven't subscribed yet, what are you doing?), but this excerpt spoke to me most. It truly communicates how strongly Shamit feels about A) the challenges the new CBA creates for the Pels' cap situation & B) the potential of Scoot.

I couldn't NOT write about this whole Scoot stuff. Here is where my head was at yesterday and what I make of this whole situation.

Free to read. Free to subscribe.

intheno.substack.com/p/scooting-tow…

The NBA Western Conference standings on December 31st, 2022. Two days before what ended up being the final game of Zion Williamson's season.

BI had also been out for a month at this point & yet the Pelicans were still tied at the top of the West.

Team was a legit threat.

Sigh.

Play-In Preview with Mason Ginsberg twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

One thing we addressed on the pod is that Willie Green and staff have proven to be elite at getting guys to buy in defensively and implementing a scheme where virtually any Pels player can enter and be part of a good defensive unit.

Might be the most underrated defensive coach

PSA to Pels fans on recommended rooting interests over next few days (beyond obvious teams near them in the standings):

Root for:

Knicks
Grizzlies

Root against:

Kings