Although New Orleans media members and many Pelicans fans have been monitoring the progress of Larry Nance Jr. and his left ankle, hoping the valuable backup big would be available for the regular season opener in Memphis, Nance himself was never worried. The 30-year-old center/forward said after Friday’s practice that he didn’t hold any doubts that he’ll be in uniform Wednesday against the Grizzlies in Game 1 of 82 for both Southwest Division squads.
“It feels great,” Nance said of his ankle. “Opening night was never a question. It’s still not.”
Pelicans reserves Nance, Jose Alvarado (ankle) and Cody Zeller (back) did not play in any preseason games, but in Nance’s case, he wanted to make sure he was in better position to perform at peak level before he returned to the hardwood. Part of Nance’s job description on defense is to switch onto quicker guards, making it essential he has full lateral movement and agility.
“If I was less mobile of a player, I would’ve been back a whole lot sooner,” Nance said. “But because I have to do so much on that end, moving my feet, it took a little longer. But I feel great.”
Larry Nance Jr. talks playing small-ball center, shooting threes 10/20/2023
Other notes from Friday’s practice:
Asked if New Orleans can successfully trade off some of its defensive emphasis for offense this season, Nance responded, “What were we, sixth last year (in defensive efficiency)? I’ll sacrifice three spots. As long as we’re still in the top 10 defensively and we can raise our offense, that would be alright.”
The Pelicans ranked 20th in offense in 2022-23, hampered greatly by extended injury absences to leading scorers Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
“That’s the goal, to enhance our offense, but also maintaining the defense,” head coach Willie Green said. “Just getting guys on the floor will help.” …
Partly due to an unclear picture of exactly who will be available Wednesday at Memphis, Green has not finalized how many players will be in his rotation. Asked specifically Friday about that consideration, he replied, “We’ll keep looking at it, keep looking at our rotations from preseason. As we get closer to (Wednesday), we’ll have a better feel for who’s going to play and who probably won’t play as much.” …
Green on Williamson’s defense in the preseason finale: “I thought he was fantastic in the Orlando game. He was just aggressive, looking for steals, guarding (Magic top scorer Paolo) Banchero, taking on the personal challenge. All of our guys need that mentality when they step on the floor, but it’s more of a collective effort. As long as our team defense is solid, we’ll be OK.”