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#2 Nickeil Alexander-Walker to be voted the league's Most Improved Player
Nickeil Alexander-Walker's performances after the All-Star break were one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Prior to the break, the 23-year-old shooting guard averaged 8.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and a steal per game. But after the break, Alexander-Walker's output almost doubled with more time on the floor. He put up 15.4 points a night on 38% shooting from the deep. From March onwards, he had five games of 20 points or more, including a 31-point showing against the Orlando Magic in April.
Despite signing Tomas Satoransky during the offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans put a lot of faith in Alexander-Walker last year. Therefore, it would make sense for him to be the team's starting shooting guard next season. Should he hit the ground running this season, he could become a prized asset alongside Williamson and Ingram.
#3 Brandon Ingram to earn another All-Star call-up
The entire New Orleans Pelicans roster needs to step up this season if they are to make the playoffs and persuade Zion Williamson to stay. To do so, Brandon Ingram will have to produce another All-Star campaign.
Despite averaging the same points and marginally fewer rebounds, Ingram missed out on the showcase game this year. That was primarily because the Pels had won just 15 of 36 games till that point.
Ingram is the only other player on the Pelicans roster who can be labeled as a superstar alongside Williamson. Therefore, it is up to Ingram to start impacting games with his elite shot-making. To do so and earn another All-Star selection, he will have to produce the kind of defense he displayed in his second season with the LA Lakers. He will also need to continue evolving his offensive creativity.
Devonte' Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are adequate backcourt scoring options. But Ingram should have much of the ball-handling next season. If he is to play the All-Star game, assists may be the way to go, considering Williamson and Valancuinas will likely mop up the boards.
