New Orleans Pelicans: 2019-20 NBA season player grades

New Orleans Pelicans Bench players season grades:

JJ Redick

JJ Redick had a big impact in his first year with the New Orleans Pelicans. His veteran leadership with the second unit was pivotal in times where key starters weren’t on the floor, and his shooting ability allowed him to carry a lot of the load at times. Redick had his best true shooting season to date with a 64.4 true shooting percent on the year. What stood out most though was his ability to get his teammates involved.

The veteran sharpshooter’s jump shot wasn’t all that was brought to the table by any means. His passing ability and his vision to find teammates cutting to the basket stood out, especially down in Orlando. Now 36 years old, Redick’s game continues to polish itself in his later years, and that’s important for this young Pelicans team to have.

Redick shot 45.3 percent from 3-point range on the year, ranking second overall in the league, underlining the fact that he remains one of the true great 3-point threats of today. For a player who has started the majority of his career, coming into New Orleans and accepting this new role of leading the second unit just happened so easily with Redick, who is a true professional and a teammate anyone looking to win NBA games would love to have.

Player Grade: B+

Josh Hart

Josh Hart came to New Orleans as part of the AD trade last offseason. It’s fair to say he enjoyed his best year to date in the association. Hart established himself early as one of the Pelicans’ key men off of the bench and displayed a toughness that has been sought after by the Pelicans organization for some time. He brought that grit off the bench, producing offensively and bringing presence on the defensive end as well.

Hart is probably New Orleans’ most effective defender in the paint, as athleticism and determination make it difficult for his opponent hard to beat him. On the other end, Hart was one of six Pelicans to average double figures for points, with 10.1 a game, as he showed his ability to get to the rack and potential as a good 3-point shooter at 34.2 percent on the year. Hart is getting better from the line too, as he shot 73.9 percent for the year.

The 25-year-old certainly has potential to have a solid career in this league, and New Orleans seems like a good match for both parties at this moment in time for his progress.

Player Grade: B+

Jaxson Hayes

After getting selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 Draft, Jaxson Hayes looked like a player ready to make an impact straight away. And that’s what he did in New Orleans.

Hayes’ rookie year saw the young center play significant minutes off of the Pelicans bench and establish himself early on in his career. Hayes’ 6’11” frame allowed his presence to be seen in the paint. He looks like a guy who could be a very good rim protector down the line. He averaged 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes through the season, and there’s still plenty of upside there.

Hayes also looks like an efficient finisher in the paint, as he shot 67.2 percent from the field in his rookie season. He averaged 7.4 points per game on the year and will likely have a lot more time to make an impact next season with Favors a free agent this offseason.

The Pelicans will likely target a five in the upcoming draft, but Hayes gives them presence and versatility at that spot with plenty to be excited about.

Player Grade: B

E’Twaun Moore

A nine-year veteran guard, E’Twaun Moore, has now spent four seasons with the Pelicans. Over the years, he’s played roles in the starting lineups and off the bench. Moore was a key figure from the bench this season, providing 8.3 points per game.

The Pelicans are better with Moore at their disposal. He is important to the second unit’s offensive production, as he fits into their scheme and produced a 37.7 percent clip from downtown on the year. He’s a player who can heat up as well. Back in December, when the Pelicans welcomed the Houston Rockets to New Orleans, Moore went 5-for-9 from 3-point range, finishing the night with 25 points as a plus-29 in a big win over the Rockets.

Again, this Pelicans team is rich in young talent, but this team needs its veteran leadership to be where they want to be. The likes of Moore, Redick, and Holiday bring that to the table.

Player Grade: C+

Nicolo Melli

The 29-year-old big signed with the Pelicans in July of last year. He’d enjoyed a successful career in Europe up until then and came to the NBA with plenty of professional experience. Nicolo Melli‘s debut in the league saw him record 14 points against the Toronto Raptors.

In his first year in the league, Melli appeared in 60 games for the Pelicans and quickly showed that he has what it takes to play in the league. Melli averaged 6.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, as he became a regular part of that second unit.

Melli shot just 42.1 percent from the floor but did show potential as a capable 3-point shooter, with a 33.5 percentage on the year. On a team that needs frontcourt presence next to Zion, Melli fits that role off coming off the bench. If he can become a reliable threat from downtown, his ability in the frontcourt could be an important weapon for New Orleans:

Player Grade: C+