3 weaknesses of the New Orleans Pelicans which can be used against them in the 2021-22 NBA season

#2 Poor rim protection

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts with Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans after blocking a shot during a NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Smoothie King Center on January 24, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The New Orleans Pelicans ranked 24th in blocks made in the 2020-21 NBA season and 22nd in blocks per game, with Williamson recording the most blocks (39) and ranking 82nd on the leaders' board. Former New Orleans center Steven Adams was second on the team in blocks, having successfully made 38 blocks the previous season. Adams isn't an amazing shot-blocker but Valančiūnas isn't much of an upgrade either and his absence will be felt as he was traded to the Grizzlies.

The issue of rim protection has been riddling the team for a while now and at this point it will take sheer drive and discipline from the lads to quench this raging fire that could cause them to have a terrible season. While Hayes has within the past two seasons shown his ability to make blocks, having recorded 0.9 blocks per game in 64 appearances in his debut season in the NBA, it is still not entirely convincing that he could be the answer to this problem.

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#3 No support cast/bench unit

Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans attempts a three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on March 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon.

A lot is dependent on Williamson in the Pelicans team, with little or no help and a lean bench. With Lonzo Ball, who led New Orleans in three-pointers, assists and steals, off the team roster as he was traded to the Chicago Bulls, there exists a huge vacuum to be filled with no visible replacements during the offseason.

The team will struggle to field a second unit and will require the starters to put in more minutes than before in order to put up a good contest against opposing teams. This could cause a strain on young players and even create a bigger issue - injuries. Coach Willie Green will need to get the bench all sorted and consistent really quickly in order to challenge favorably in the 2021-22 NBA season.