One of the most disappointing teams of the 2015-16 NBA season so far have been the New Orleans Pelicans. Expected to accomplish big things this year and elevate to a level they haven't been at since Chris Paul was on the team, the Pelicans are just 4-13. A lot of that has had to do with injuries and the point guard play, but the latest rumors and reports suggest they'll be getting some help in both areas soon. Norris Cole is expected back tonight from injury, and with Jrue Holiday's struggles as the starting PG this year, it begs the question: will Norris Cole take over that spot in the near future?
It makes sense. Holiday has been rather abysmal as the starter this year, averaging just 11 points and 4.5 assists to go along with an unreasonably high 2.5 turnovers in only 21.4 minutes per game. It's only a matter of time before New Orleans realizes it's time to move on from him.
Granted, backup Ish Smith has done an alright job filling in for the minutes that the team doesn't want Holiday on the floor. His 11.9 points and 8.1 assists per game have been solid for about 30 minutes a night.
Even so, neither of those guys are as well-rounded of players as Norris Cole when he's healthy.
The fourth-year man from Cleveland State is a pestering defender, and clearly the best athlete of the trio. Ultimately, he would work best with their starting lineup, especially with Tyreke Evans returning as soon as tomorrow night from his injury. Evans' skill-set would allow a good mix of him and Cole handling point duties while both are on the floor, thus taking pressure off of both players. It would keep the Pelicans' offense flowing nicely while not having to sacrifice defense.
This move would allow Smith to continue running mostly with the second team, where he's excelled, and where defense isn't as big of a factor. It would also just keep Holiday off the floor as much, and the Pelicans could either move him for another piece or keep as insurance for another injury. Though, trading him makes a lot of sense since he's getting paid the most out of all of their point guards, yet has proven to be producing the least on the court.
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