NBA 2019-20: 3 Reasons why New Orleans Pelicans will make the playoffs next season

#2 The elite defense of Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball

Jrue Holiday of the Pelicans

Among the many players and picks the Pelicans received in exchange for Anthony Davis, one of them was Lonzo Ball. Ball has had a tough time since coming into the NBA. He was criticized for not being able to shoot and injuries have benched him for the better halves of seasons. He has, however, proven himself as a willing and excellent passer.

Jrue Holiday has quietly become better and better and been putting up All-Star numbers. In the 2018-19 season, he averaged 21.2 points, 5 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. In addition to this, Holiday is able to hold his own on the defensive end of the floor, making him one of the better two-way players in the league.

With these two unselfish guards, the Pelicans will be able to effectively execute on offense, as Ball and Holiday make plays both for themselves and their teammates on the offensive end. They will also be a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end as they have both proven themselves to be elite defenders in the NBA.