The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.

**New Orleans Pelicans (NOP)**

​

**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 27-21

Last 10: 4-6

Record Against top ten teams: 12-8

Preseason Expected Wins: 43.5

Current Pace: 46-36

Power Ranking Tier: Second Round “Lock” (B)

​

**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 116.9 (13th)

Defensive Rating: 113.0 (10th)

Net Rating: 3.9 (9th)

Pace: 99.6 (13th)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

3: J. Valanciunas – B. Ingram – Z. Williamson

(3): J. Valanciunas – B. Ingram – H. Jones

Net Rating: 4.6

(Net Rating): 3.2

Minutes played(700): 531

4: J. Valanciunas – B. Ingram – Z. Williamson – H. Jones

(4): J. Valanciunas – B. Ingram – Z. Williamson – H. Jones

Net Rating: 2.5

(Net Rating): 2.5

Minutes Played(449): 449

5: J. Valanciunas – C. McCollum – B. Ingram – Z. Williamson – H. Jones

(5): J. Valanciunas – C. McCollum – B. Ingram – Z. Williamson – H. Jones

Net Rating: -3.4

(Net Rating): -3.4

Minutes Played(307): 307

​

**Three best players:**

Zion Williamson:

22 Points/ 6 Rebounds/ 5 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 59.4% 3pt%: 36.4% Ft%: 66.7%

Zion Williamson’s season with the New Orleans Pelicans encapsulates the essence of a generational talent still on the cusp of fully unleashing his potential, oscillating between periods of quiet efficiency and dominant, high-impact play. Offensively, his prowess in the paint is undeniable, utilizing his remarkable blend of size and agility to score at will, drawing defenders inward, and opening up plays for his teammates. Although his contributions from the perimeter and at the free-throw line suggest areas ripe for development, they also hint at the diverse offensive threat he could become with further refinement. Defensively, while flashes of Williamson’s capabilities surface, a sustained, engaged effort could transform him into a formidable two-way force, amplifying his impact on the game. The current campaign is a testament to Williamson’s evolving narrative in the league—a narrative marked by the anticipation of a full realization of his abilities, which, if achieved, could not only solidify his position as the cornerstone of the Pelicans but also as a transformative figure within the basketball landscape.

Brandom Ingram:

22 Points/ 5 Rebounds/ 6 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 53.1% 3pt%: 34.9% Ft%: 80.2%

Brandon Ingram’s presence on the New Orleans Pelicans paints him as an under-the-radar force, consistently contributing with a quiet intensity that belies the significance of his role. Ingram’s scoring touch is evident, with a proficiency in midrange that serves as a reliable source of points, while his ability to sink shots from beyond the arc adds a necessary stretch to the offense. His handling and driving to the basket are executed with a smoothness that speaks to his high basketball IQ, even as his finishing at the rim and free-throw accuracy offer areas for growth. As a playmaker, Ingram showcases an ability to dissect defenses and create opportunities for his teammates, underlining his value beyond just scoring. Despite a history of injuries limiting his playtime, his performances, especially in critical moments, reveal the depth of his offensive toolkit and hint at an even brighter future. With Ingram at their core, the Pelicans possess a versatile offensive weapon, one that could well become the linchpin in their pursuit of playoff success and beyond, as he continues to evolve and assert himself as one of the league’s most adept and underrated talents

CJ McCollum:

19 Points/ 4 Rebounds/ 5 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 49.8% 3pt%: 43.6% Ft%: 80.2%

CJ McCollum’s tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans highlights his offensive acumen and leadership but also casts a light on his defensive shortcomings. While he provides a steady hand and veteran presence, his prowess on the court is predominantly on the offensive end. His ability to sink midrange shots and execute beyond the arc, especially in pull-up scenarios, showcases his scoring versatility, an attribute the Pelicans rely on heavily. McCollum’s intelligent ball-handling and decision-making help mitigate turnovers, contributing to the overall flow of the offense. However, defensively, McCollum struggles, often finding it challenging to guard against faster or more physical opponents. This defensive gap underscores the need for a strategic team approach to compensate for his limitations. Despite these defensive challenges, McCollum’s overall impact — marked by his leadership and ability to adapt his play to the team’s needs — makes him a valuable asset to the Pelicans as they continue to carve out their identity in the league.

Strengths:

The New Orleans Pelicans’ strengths lie in a potent offense that ranks them in the top echelons of the league, largely fueled by a formidable three-point shooting arsenal that sees them standing tall among the best. Their offensive proficiency is further augmented by a balanced attack that maximizes both half-court and off-ball plays, ensuring a steady stream of points on the board. The team’s adept playmaking is reflective of their high ranks in assists and ball movement, translating into a cohesive and unpredictable offense that keeps opponents guessing. The Pelicans’ commitment to efficiency is also evident in their ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free-throw opportunities, placing them prominently in terms of free-throw attempts and percentage. This blend of sharpshooting, intelligent playmaking, and an aggressive approach to drawing fouls underscores a team that knows how to score in a variety of ways, making them a formidable opponent on any given night. As they continue to leverage their offensive strengths, the Pelicans look to maintain their momentum and refine their play to reach greater heights in the league.

Weaknesses:

The New Orleans Pelicans’ season, while showcasing an impressive offensive front, brings to light certain defensive frailties that hinder their path to becoming a more rounded contender. The team’s defense against the three-point shot, especially from the corners, is less than ideal, allowing opponents to thrive from these high-value spots on the floor. Additionally, their rim protection often falters, with a higher than desired opponent field goal percentage close to the basket. These defensive issues may stem in part from a pace that doesn’t always match the rapid transitions needed to counteract fast offensive plays. Offensively, while the Pelicans can certainly put points on the board, their play can sometimes become predictable, relying heavily on their established patterns of play, which savvy opponents can anticipate and disrupt. The Pelicans’ offensive rhythm, particularly in half-court settings, lacks the fluidity and inventiveness that could otherwise elevate their effectiveness. To harness their full potential and build a comprehensive team strength, the Pelicans will need to shore up their defensive play, diversify their offensive playbook, and find a rhythm that seamlessly integrates their dynamic pace with strategic execution. Addressing these vulnerabilities and embracing tactical flexibility will be crucial for the Pelicans as they strive to fortify their team identity and impact in the league.

Fun rating 4/6:

The New Orleans Pelicans offer a thrilling viewing experience, fueled by Zion Williamson’s explosive dunks, Brandon Ingram’s skillful shots, charismatic role players, and visually appealing jerseys. This blend of talent and style makes their games exceptionally entertaining. Maybe it’s just cause I’m a NBA nerd but how many teams have a dearth of role player in which their known for their own unique quirks. The only reason they aren’t higher is due to a somewhat slow pace and heavy amount of free throws.

​

**The Future:**

Importance of season 2/5:

With a promising young core, abundant draft capital, and key players secured under long-term contracts, the New Orleans Pelicans are strategically positioned for future success without the immediate pressure to win. The team can afford to assess Zion Williamson’s progress over a substantial part of the season. If Zion elevates his performance as anticipated, the Pelicans are poised to swiftly transition into contenders in the league.

Potential trades:

Due to the dearth of young talent and a potential full season of Zion healthy the Pelicans should not make any trade and instead use the season to evaluate what they have.

Upcoming Draft situation: 1st round Pick swap with the Bucks, and the right to the Laker’s 1st though that can be deferred to next year, and their 2nd Rounder.

Projected Tax Space: 21.2 Million

​

**TLDR:**

Summary:

The New Orleans Pelicans’ current season unveils a team exhibiting a blend of offensive dynamism and defensive challenges, marked by a commendable 26-21 record. The team’s offensive strategy capitalizes on the strengths of key players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, each contributing uniquely to the Pelicans’ scoring efforts. Williamson’s dominance in the paint and potential to stretch his play further, Ingram’s reliable scoring and playmaking, and McCollum’s scoring versatility and leadership, collectively form an offensive powerhouse. This is further underscored by their top-tier three-point shooting and a robust offensive rating, reflecting a team that thrives in scoring and maintaining offensive momentum. However, the team’s defensive shortcomings, particularly in rim protection and guarding against corner three-pointers, present areas that require strategic fortification. The Pelicans’ pace of play and sometimes predictable offensive sets hint at a need for more fluidity and innovation in their game plan. Despite these areas for growth, the team’s performance, especially in the last 10 games (7-3), indicates a positive trajectory and an ability to adapt and overcome challenges. The team’s current standing, coupled with a strategic approach to Zion’s development and an emphasis on evaluating their young talent, positions the Pelicans in a favorable spot for future growth. With significant cap space and a focus on building a cohesive and competitive team, the Pelicans are navigating this season with an eye on leveraging their current strengths while addressing their weaknesses, setting the stage for a potentially promising future in the league.

​

**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

​

**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

​

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

​

This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

​

**What I am looking for**

​

**Storylines/notable events:**

A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

​

**Random interesting stats:**

These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

​

**Memes:**

These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

​

**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look like, and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. Also to talk about what schemes each teams run and when. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

by DeficientFooting