Willie Green first tried to associate them before drastically changing his tune. After just four games played, the CJ McCollum – Devonte’ Graham pair was finally split in the Pelicans’ major five. With more than six assists on average since his arrival, the former Blazers player is now the main creator of the team.
Devonte’ Graham, he is expected to make the difference from the bench. ” We made adjustments with Devonte’ in the second five, thinking he was going to give us more bite “, justified the coach a few days ago. A bite that the former Hornets player has started to miss in recent weeks.
With his percentage still doubtful this season (36%), as since the start of his career, the leader saw his production drop to less than 8 points on average at 31.5% success in the month of February. To associate him with the rookie from the Blazers was also to align a small duo, potentially permissive in defense. Sent to Oregon, Josh Hart indeed offered more guarantees in this area.
In addition to keeping rookie Herbert Jones in the five, the coach decided to increase his five by propelling Jaxson Hayes alongside Jonas Valanciunas. Despite this rebalancing, Willie Green intends to maintain Devonte’ Graham’s average playing time (30 minutes over the season).
Reprising the role of Nickeil Alexander-Walker
« I had a good discussion with him and he understands that it is a role that we miss. We had Nickil (Alexander-Walker) who scored an average of 13 or 14 points off the bench (before being traded to Utah), we no longer have it. We ask Devonte’ to come in and be our scorer. There will be matches that he will finish too. »
With his 12 points tonight against the Nuggets, he was the most prolific substitute in attack. In six matches as the 6th man, his points average has dropped (9), as have his minutes (22), but he has the merit of having slightly raised his address (40.5%…).
« The coach wants me to be the same player. The last few games he’s been asking me to shoot more and be aggressive because when that’s the case, good things happen. I’ve played this role before so it’s fine with me.”recalled Devonte ‘Graham who had started his career with the Hornets on the bench.
In any case, he appreciates the approach of his coach, who is used to talking directly with his players when he makes such changes. ” Some coaches don’t do it and make a phone call, for example. This confidence is enormous. He wants you to know that you are more than just a phone call. »
This adjustment from Willie Green has been good for the Pelicans. Before losing in overtime to Denver, they had won their four games after the “All-Star break”.
| Devonte’ Graham | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Tirs | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Until | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | NO | 46 | 15 | 34.3 | 28.1 | 76.1 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 4.7 |
| 2019-20 | NO | 63 | 35 | 38.2 | 37.3 | 82.0 | 0.7 | 2.7 | 3.4 | 7.5 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 18.2 |
| 2020-21 | NO | 55 | 30 | 37.7 | 37.5 | 84.2 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 5.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 14.8 |
| 2021-22 | NOP | 59 | 30 | 36.0 | 34.3 | 84.3 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 4.3 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 12.6 |
| Total | 223 | 28 | 37.1 | 35.8 | 82.6 | 0.5 | 2.1 | 2.6 | 5.1 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 13.1 | |
