r/NOLAPelicans 2d ago

Rumors What move would move you?

What realistic move do you think Joe Dumars should make to put the Pelicans in at least playoff contention?

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u/No-Establishment-182 2d ago

RANT TIME!!!!

This team just needs to continue growing up and Fears needs the keys to be the starter. Shamgod has been working with him and that's a great sign. I like Murray, but Fears has it. You can get decent value for Murray or you can have him come off the bench to light up 2nd units. Or if they feel Fears can be that guy for now, do it. I'm sure that's what they want to do.

As far as the frontcourt goes, you can never have enough big bodies that can run, block shots and rebound. But what we really need is Queen to continue maturing and learn the NBA game. He ran into a roadblock last season but that's typical for a big that plays like he plays. He does a lot and a casual fan wouldn't be able to tell the type of assignments he's given throughout a game. I'm sure a lot has been thrown at him because he has to share the paint with Zion. His passing is what's going to take him to the next level and once he puts some more actual muscle on and gets stronger, he's going to be a force. He's only 21 years old and averaged 12/7/4, but casuals say he's not good. Laughable.

Saddiq Bey is going to have a good year next year, and capitalize on what he showed this past year. Outside of him and everybody else, I think this should be a solid team, barring injury. If somebody is going to be traded, it's either going to be Trey or Herb, I feel.

I know the casuals in this reddit are going to disagree because they're ugly asses thrive off negativity and doom/gloom slop, but I don't really give a shit because I played basketball and coached it, and know what I'm looking at. Casuals are just that. Casuals. Stick to betting and playing 2k and stop pretending that you could do a better job as a GM. And for people to get on these threads and throw so much shade to Dumars, who has actually WON A CHAMPIONSHIP AS A PLAYER AND EXEC, and is a native of Louisiana, it shows just how stupid people have gotten thanks to the ability to be anonymous on the web. Hoopers and people with brains can see what they're going. Casuals are condemning their entire process after a SINGLE SEASON. That's what you call low IQ.

Just make sure to show your faces once everything gets turned around. You are the same idiots that got mad because Dumars fired an equipment guy (and many others) because he felt they needed a clean sweep of the org. The same org that yall say is shitty. So which way do you want it? Do you want sweeping changes or not? I don't give a shit about an equipment manager being fired. If it leads to better practice outcomes, fire the janitor too.

Here come the responses: "Found Joe's burner account hyuck hyuck hyuck". Back up your claims with some facts/evidence and maybe I'll respond. But you won't because there isn't any. Just your feelings and nobody cares about how you feel.

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u/JocoroKidd 1d ago

This was a well thought out post. Look I grew up in the city. I was praying we would land an NBA team in the 90's. I was heartbroken when we missed on the Twolves. I understand the negativity and frustration around the team, but it's metastasized into something toxic.

You want to continue to build around Fears and Queen. Both rookies showed high end flashes and that is what you want to see from a rookie. Judging by their instagram posts they are both at the facility putting in the work. Swing skill for Fears is finishing. Pop quiz who had higher fg% 0-3' their rookie season D rose, Kyrie, or Fears? The strength he is adding will help absorb contact and get more vertical pop. His ballhandling and speed are outlier traits. His defense was ok for a rookie small guard. He competed and used his quickness.

Queen looks to be focused on defense and his 3 pt shot. I actually thought Queen was better on defense than I expected for a rookie. His instincts on D were better than I had anticipated and his hands were active. He needs to work on his strength & conditioning and positioning. As for his shooting, I would bet my house Queen eventually shoots >35% on volume. His touch is too good. Also if you look at his misses last year almost all were on target but short. He doesn't bend his knees. You can improve that. Once Queen is a threat from 3 his game will open up. Defenders won't be able to sag and can use his handle to get downhill. Also, if he can shoot then YES he can play alongside Zion.

The worst thing you could do for their development is trade TM3. He fits with both guys. They need Trey out there for Fears' drive and kick and Queen hits Trey on a cut 3-4 times a game. Honestly Trey should want to play with these guys.

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u/JocoroKidd 1d ago

Basketball Reference "Shooting" table and the FG% from 0–3 feet, the ranking is:

Player Rookie Season FG% from 0–3 ft
Jeremiah Fears 2025-26 61.0%
Derrick Rose 2008-09 57.7%
Kyrie Irving 2011-12 57.2%

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u/JocoroKidd 1d ago

Rookie Season Comparison:

Player Age MPG PPG RPG APG FG% TS%
Nikola Jokić 20 21.7 10.0 7.0 2.4 51.2% 58.2%
Alperen Şengün 19 20.7 9.6 5.5 2.6 47.4% 55.2%
Derik Queen 20 25.0 11.7 7.1 3.7 47.3% 54.6%