I still remember the first time I heard that quote from former PBA player Paul Alvarez speaking about mentoring his son - "Kung gusto mo ako (gayahin), ito ang mga gagawin mo." It struck me because that's exactly what's happening with the New Orleans Pelicans right now, just on a much larger scale. After spending considerable time analyzing discussions across various Pelicans subreddits and fan forums, I've uncovered seven genuinely surprising insights about where this team is headed, and frankly, some of these perspectives challenge conventional NBA wisdom in ways I hadn't anticipated.
The first revelation that caught me off guard involves Zion Williamson's evolving leadership role. While most media coverage focuses on his physical conditioning - and yes, he's reportedly down to 285 pounds with 8% body fat according to team insiders - what Reddit users are really discussing is his growing vocal presence during timeouts. One user described watching him diagram plays during a recent timeout when the coaching staff was distracted, something we rarely saw in his first three seasons. This mirrors exactly what Alvarez described about mentorship - current players are now looking to Zion not just for spectacular dunks but for strategic guidance. I've noticed this shift myself watching recent games; there's a different energy when Williamson takes charge during critical moments.
What surprised me even more was the consensus about Herb Jones' offensive development. We all know he's a defensive savant, but Pelicans fans are buzzing about his three-point percentage climbing to 38.7% on 4.2 attempts per game since the All-Star break. I'll admit I was skeptical about his shooting potential, but the numbers don't lie, and the film shows genuine mechanical improvements. The organization has been quietly working with him on adding what they call "functional offensive versatility" - not making him a primary scorer but ensuring he can't be ignored on that end. This development could be massive for their playoff aspirations, creating much-needed spacing for Zion and Brandon Ingram to operate.
The third insight involves something most analysts completely miss - Trey Murphy III's potential as a secondary playmaker. While his three-point shooting gets the headlines (and rightfully so, at 40.1% on high volume), multiple keen-eyed fans have noted his assist numbers when handling pick-and-roll situations have jumped from 1.7 to 3.4 per 36 minutes in these scenarios. I've watched every Pelicans game this season, and what stands out to me is his decision-making when defenses close out hard on his shot - he's developed a nice little drive-and-kick game that adds another dimension to their offense. This isn't just statistical noise; it represents tangible growth in his feel for the game.
Perhaps the most controversial discussion among fans centers on Brandon Ingram's long-term fit. While national media portrays him as untouchable, I've noticed a surprising openness among dedicated fans to considering trade scenarios if the right return emerges. The analytics crowd points to the team's net rating being just +1.3 with Ingram on court without Zion, compared to +8.9 when they share the floor. Meanwhile, the eye-test advocates argue his mid-range mastery becomes less valuable in playoff settings against switching defenses. I find myself torn on this - his talent is undeniable, but the fit questions are legitimate, especially with his extension decision looming.
The fifth insight involves Jose Alvarado's unexpected development as a reliable three-point shooter. We all love his defensive pest energy, but his shooting has jumped to 39.2% from deep on 3.8 attempts per game - numbers that frankly shocked me when I first saw them. What's fascinating is how this changes his ceiling from "energy bench guy" to potentially a long-term rotation piece on a contender. I've always been higher on Alvarado than most, but even I didn't see this shooting leap coming. His improvement reminds me of what Alvarez described - the willingness to put in specific, targeted work to expand one's game beyond natural strengths.
Regarding roster construction, there's growing sentiment that the Pelicans might be one of the few teams genuinely positioned to make a major trade without gutting their core. With all their draft capital through 2029 and interesting young pieces like Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins, the framework for a significant move exists. What surprised me was how specific fans get about potential targets - it's not just "trade for a star" but detailed discussions about how particular players would fit alongside existing pieces. The name that comes up most frequently? Surprisingly, it's not a center but another wing creator who can alleviate pressure from Zion in half-court settings.
Finally, the most forward-looking insight involves the organization's development program. Multiple fans have tracked how players across the roster have shown measurable improvement in specific skills each season, suggesting the Pelicans have built one of the league's more effective player development systems. From Herbert Jones' shooting to Alvarado's range to Zion's defensive engagement, the pattern is too consistent to ignore. As someone who follows player development closely across the league, I'd put New Orleans in the top tier right now alongside Miami, San Antonio, and Toronto in terms of systematically improving players. This might be their most significant long-term advantage - the ability to draft talented but flawed players and develop them into ideal complements for their stars.
Reflecting on these insights, what strikes me is how the Pelicans' trajectory embodies that mentoring philosophy Alvarez described. The organization isn't just collecting talent; they're deliberately building a culture where players learn from each other and systematically develop their games. While uncertainties remain - particularly regarding Ingram's future and Zion's durability - the foundation appears stronger than conventional analysis suggests. If these development trends continue and the front office makes shrewd moves around the edges, I'm increasingly convinced this team could surprise people sooner than expected. The pieces are there for sustainable success, provided they continue following their blueprint rather than rushing the process.
