New Orleans Pelicans: An Ode to Luke Babbitt

By Owen Sanborn | Feb 27, 2015

Dec 12, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Luke Babbitt (8) reacts after scoring on a three point basket during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

I am not going to apologize for being a believer in Luke Babbitt. Entering the season I pegged him to be the floor spacer the New Orleans Pelicans needed to give their offense a twist of fluency rather than the stagnant mess it can sometimes become. I even went as far to say that he should find a home in the starting lineup.

It is possible that his straight, emo-teenager-looking brunette locks mesmerized me into feeling so strongly about him? Sure. I have a soft spot for guys that look like they have no business being on the floor amongst NBA talent and yet, they are still there. (Brian Scalabrine is picking up what I’m putting down.)

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Babbitt is probably unable to jump over a phone book, and his hair blows wildly out of control and into his eyes all game, leaving you to wonder how the hell he can see who to guard and where to shoot. He is 6 ‘9″ with a pale skin tone that pierces the television screen because of its contrast with the other players (not you, Jimmer Fredette).

He looks like that guy you play against at a Rec Center who was amazing in high school because he was naturally bigger than everybody, but is selling insurance now. Or maybe even chalupas.

Nothing about this guy screams NBA except for one thing. His shooting stroke. The man can stroke it with the best of them (insert mandatory giggles from everybody aged 13 and above reading this).

So far this season, Babbitt is shooting a ridiculous 51.5 percent from beyond the arc on 97 attempts. He has found himself to have plenty of open threes in the corners because of the attention Tyreke Evans and Anthony Davis command from a defense. He flicks the ball with ease, and elevates a full TWO INCHES off of the floor to generate his line drive into the hoop. Take that, Russell Westbrook!

The way the ball rifles through the twine with ferocity or hits the back of the rim with a thud and goes in after Babbitt shoots the ball is always a treat. It’s the little things that matter to me sometimes.

(This is the part of the piece where I realize that maybe I watch a little bit too much basketball … I mean, a whole piece on Luke Babbitt? The way the ball rifles through the twine with ferocity? WTF?)

Sadly, Babbitt’s role is likely to decrease once the Pelicans’ roster returns to full health. Even with his recent stellar play (not to mention his great shooting while he found himself in the starting lineup for 19 games this season), coach Monty Williams still finds ways to give him a DNP. Quincy Pondexter emerging does not help his cause, although Pondexter is a more valuable player overall because of his defensive versatility and ability to well, jump.

Babbitt should be given the chance to sustain a role on this team even with a full stock of players. Pale sharpshooters with desirable brunette locks do not come around everyday in the NBA. Pretty soon New Orleans is going to realize how good they had it once he is gone.

Make sure you step back and enjoy your time with Babbitt while you can.

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