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Pelicans shootaround update presented by HUB International: New Orleans trying to find balance at the two ends of floor

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PORTLAND – The defense has improved, but the offense is in the midst of a slump. Their pace has slowed, but they’ve been a much better rebounding team. In comparison to the first 27 games of the 2019-20 season, the New Orleans Pelicans have been nearly unrecognizable lately, as their performance on both ends of the floor has completely flipped, resulting in a 1-2 record in Week 9, including a pair of frustrating, narrow losses.

“It’s crazy, because our offense has been good (much of the season) and our defense has been down, but now our defense went up, but our offense is down,” Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball said. “We’ve got to find a way to balance it and start getting some wins.”

New Orleans (7-23) has been hoping for its defense to improve for two months and it finally has, with the Pelicans ranked third in efficiency (100.3 points allowed per 100 possessions, via NBA.com) since Dec. 16, trailing only Milwaukee (96.1) and Boston (100.3). Unfortunately, that spike has coincided with them being 29th on offense (99.0), ahead of only Detroit. New Orleans is last in the NBA in shooting percentage during that timeframe (39.9) and No. 25 in three-point percentage (31.8), both drastic drop-offs from the first 27 games. The Pelicans were sixth in three-point accuracy (36.6) through Dec. 15.

On what New Orleans needs to do to return to its offensive effectiveness from earlier in the season, forward Brandon Ingram said, “Just getting a rhythm back. Guys stepping into their shots and being confident in what they’re doing. When we get our rhythm back, I think we’ll be fine.”

Other notes from Monday’s shootaround at Moda Center:

Asked about his role changing from starter to reserve at times this season, Ball said, “I just want to play. As long as I play, I’m cool. Obviously everyone wants to start, but any way I can help the team, that’s what I’m going to do.” …

Zion Williamson continues to get on the court after shootarounds and work out, part of his process of returning to play following October knee surgery. Ball on Williamson being around the team more and ramping up his physical activity: “It’s definitely nice. He’s out here getting shots up, working out more. Hopefully we get him back soon. I know he’s dying to play. He’s a 19-year-old kid who obviously wants to make a big impact from the jump. I hope he takes his time, waits until he’s ready, and when that time comes, he should be fine.” …

Ingram on Williamson’s presence at shootaround: “It’s been good. It’s been exciting seeing him back on the basketball floor. I know he’s happy. I know with rehabilitation, the worst part about it is being so anxious to get back on the court. It’s good to see him out here, getting healthy.”

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