Projecting the New Orleans Pelicans roster battles heading into training camp

The New Orleans Pelicans will be hoping for a strong season, one where they're in the playoff picture and can prove to the likes of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram that they're serious about contending with this core.

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One of the best ways to ensure a roster remains content with their situation is to provide a high level of competitiveness during training. If players have to scratch and claw for every second of playing time, they will know they're in a winning situation or at least a situation that's dedicated to achieving sustained success.

That's why the New Orleans Pelicans will be hoping for some intense roster battles when they begin training camp on September 28th. Obviously, players like Zion and Ingram are all but assured of their position within the New Orleans Pelicans rotation, but every other position on the roster is potentially up for grabs.

When discussing potential roster battles, it's worth noting that the fiercest competition is usually for rotational roles, with players trying to assert their dominance and be the first player in their position off the bench. With that in mind, here's three roster battles to watch out for as the New Orleans Pelicans enter training camp.

#3 Jaxson Hayes vs. Willy Hernangomez

Golden State Warriors v New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans will be hoping that Jaxson Hayes and Willy Hernangomez bring the best out in each other. Both players can play either the four or the five, but operate best as roll men in pick-and-roll scenarios. Hayes is a player the New Orleans Pelicans have been invested in for several seasons, as they hope to develop him into a reliable rim runner who can stretch defenses with his vertical spacing and rebounding ability.

Hernangomez on the other hand, is a more traditional center who thrives around the rim and as both an offensive and defensive rebounder. New school vs. old school in a battle for prominence off the bench. Sure, either of these players could find themselves operating as the New Orleans Pelicans back-up power forward, but neither would fit the bill as a floor-stretcher or slasher. As such, Hayes and Hernangomez will enter into a roster battle as they compete to become the first big off the bench and operate as Jonas Valaciunas' understudy.

There are lingering questions surrounding Jaxson Hayes' professionalism, and he will need to put those questions to bed if he wishes to come out of this battle victorious. Hayes found himself in hot water during his rookie season as he sounded off against the NBA for what he perceived as a snub from the Rising Stars team at All-Star weekend.

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In a modernized offense with numerous high-octane wings and guards on the bench unit, the New Orleans Pelicans will likely favor mobility and rim pressure from their back-up center, making Hernangomez likely to find himself operating as the third-string big man.

Anything can happen in training camp though, but unless Hernangomez can become a reliable 37% three-point shooter, this contest looks to be Hayes to lose.

Predicted winner: Jaxson Hayes

#2 Nickeil Alexander-Walker vs. Tomas Satoransky

Los Angeles Lakers v New Orleans Pelicans

This training camp battle may have come a year too early for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In his sophomore season, Alexander-Walker proved to be a reliable two-guard off the bench, as he averaged 11 points per game on 52.2% true shooting. A starting spot certainly isn't out of reach for the third-year guard, but his opponent during training camp may be too savvy for him to oust before the season begins.

The New Orleans Pelicans have added Tomas Satoransky to their rotation as they look to improve the team's fortunes from deep, and will be hoping his off-ball movement creates additional lanes for their slashing wings. Satoransky is a capable ball-handler, and is developing a reputation for his shooting ability from deep - ending last season with a 35.6% three-point percentage on two attempts per game.

If Alexander-Walker continues to show the type of improvement that he did last year, the starting two guard spot will be his before too long. However, coming into training camp, Satoransky's experience and poise both on and off the ball may prove too much of a hurdle for the third-year guard to overcome.

Projected winner: Tomas Satoransky

#1 Devonte' Graham vs. Kira Lewis Jr

Kira Lewis Jr. screams potential. He's a speedster with an insanely good handle and an ability to cause defensive collapses before he distributes the rock. His true shooting percentage of 47.7% is fine for a rookie, especially when considering his 84.3% from the free-throw line (which is always a good indicator of shooting ability). The problem for Lewis Jr. is that the New Orleans Pelicans need to prove to their star duo that they're committed to being competitive while their younger core continues to develop. Starting a sophomore guard in place of the departed Lonzo Ball isn't how you send that message.

Enter Devonte' Graham, the former Charlotte Hornet who has shown an ability to not only lead an offense, but also to create for others. Graham is a capable three-level scorer and uses his scoring gravity to generate offensive looks for his teammates. Last season, the North Carolina native dished out 5.4 assists per game, and with the increased scoring talent around him on the New Orleans Pelicans roster, you can envision that number rising slightly.

Both Lewis Jr. and Graham are young and exciting guards. Neither projects to be a negative on offense, but both have their warts on defense. The difference is that Graham is now a proven commodity within the NBA and Lewis Jr. still has a way to go before the same can be said for him.

Perhaps in another year or two, Lewis Jr. will be one of the best young guards in the league and the New Orleans Pelicans will either have to start him or trade him. But for now, Graham will surely command the starting roster spot, and Lewis Jr. can continue his development while operating as the first point-guard off the bench. There are worse ways to develop your game.