Part 5/11:
Defensively, the issues are even more glaring. The team appears disorganized, with poor rotations, sloppy closeouts, and inconsistent effort. The game against Denver was particularly eye-opening—players walking into easy shots with minimal resistance. Despite personnel limitations, effort and energy remain controllable factors that the Pelicans have yet to master.
Adding to the chaos, New Orleans has experimented with a staggering five different starting lineups in just five games, including 22 different lineups involving Zion alone. This constant tinkering suggests a team that is desperately searching for chemistry and an identity—but with little success.