TL;DR
- The Pelicans rank 16th overall with a 90 team rating and four players rated 80+
- Zion Williamson leads as the highest-rated player at 87 OVR with dominant interior scoring
- The starting lineup features elite scoring but requires defensive adjustments
- Bench depth provides versatility but lacks consistent three-point shooting
- Strategic rotation management is crucial for maximizing team performance
As NBA 2K23 launches, basketball enthusiasts and casual gamers alike are diving into roster analysis and strategic planning. This comprehensive guide examines the New Orleans Pelicans’ virtual lineup, providing detailed insights into player ratings, team composition, and optimization strategies for various game modes.
The Pelicans enter NBA 2K23 positioned as a middle-tier contender, ranking 16th among all 32 teams with an overall rating of 90. This placement reflects their balanced roster featuring four players rated 80 or higher, headlined by 2021 NBA All-Star Zion Williamson. Understanding this team’s unique strengths and limitations is essential for maximizing performance in both quick play and franchise modes.
New Orleans boasts a particularly strong frontcourt, with Williamson’s 87 overall rating making him one of the most dominant power forwards in the game. His combination of athleticism, finishing ability, and growing skill set creates numerous offensive opportunities. The team’s rating distribution suggests they excel in interior scoring but may require strategic adjustments to compete with elite perimeter-oriented squads.
New Orleans features a starting five that combines veteran leadership with emerging talent. The backcourt is anchored by C.J. McCollum at point guard (85 OVR), whose scoring prowess and playmaking create offensive stability. Brandon Ingram (86 OVR) provides elite wing scoring from the shooting guard position, though his defensive limitations require strategic coverage.
The frontcourt presents the team’s greatest strength, with Zion Williamson’s 87 rating making him a force in the paint. His athletic dunks and post moves can dominate opposing defenses, particularly in transition situations. Jonas Valanciunas (83 OVR) offers reliable interior presence with strong rebounding and efficient low-post scoring.
Herbert Jones (78 OVR) rounds out the starting unit as a defensive specialist. While his offensive game remains limited, his perimeter defense and steal rating make him valuable against elite wing scorers. This lineup’s chemistry relies on balancing Williamson’s interior dominance with adequate spacing from the perimeter players.
| Player Name | Position | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. McCollum | PG | 85 |
| Brandon Ingram | SG | 86 |
| Herbert Jones | SF | 78 |
| Zion Williamson | PF | 87 |
| Jonas Valanciunas | C | 83 |
| Jose Alvarado | PG | 76 |
| Devonte’ Graham | PG | 75 |
| Dyson Daniels | SG | 73 |
| Trey Murphy | SF | 75 |
| Naji Marshall | SF | 73 |
| Jaxson Hayes | PF | 76 |
| Larry Nance Jr. | PF | 76 |
| Willy Hernangomez | C | 74 |
The Pelicans’ bench provides solid depth but lacks elite scoring options. Jose Alvarado (76 OVR) brings energy and defensive intensity as the primary backup point guard, though his playmaking limitations may require adjustment in offensive sets. The second unit’s versatility comes from players like Larry Nance Jr. and Jaxson Hayes (both 76 OVR), who offer athleticism and defensive versatility across multiple frontcourt positions.
Rookie Dyson Daniels (73 OVR) represents developmental potential with his length and defensive instincts. However, his current rating reflects the typical rookie adjustment period and limited offensive polish. Trey Murphy (75 OVR) provides much-needed floor spacing with his three-point shooting, a crucial element given the starting lineup’s interior focus.
Common mistakes with this bench unit include over-relying on three-point attempts from inconsistent shooters and failing to utilize the athletic frontcourt reserves properly. Optimal rotation management involves staggering Williamson or Ingram’s minutes to maintain scoring punch with the second unit.
Mastering the Pelicans requires understanding their unique offensive identity. Focus on high-percentage shots in the paint through Williamson and Valanciunas, using their interior dominance to collapse defenses and create open perimeter opportunities. The pick-and-roll game between McCollum and Williamson proves particularly effective, leveraging both players’ strengths.
Defensively, the team excels in the paint but struggles against elite three-point shooting teams. Adjust defensive settings to prioritize perimeter containment and utilize Herbert Jones as a primary wing defender against opposing stars. In transition, emphasize pushing the pace to maximize Williamson’s athletic advantages.
For MyNBA Eras gameplay, consider targeting additional three-point shooting through trades or free agency. The current roster construction works well in historical eras favoring interior play but may require modification for modern NBA simulation. Our Weapons Unlock guide provides additional strategies for building competitive teams in franchise modes.
Advanced players should experiment with unconventional lineups, such as small-ball configurations featuring Williamson at center or three-guard sets to maximize spacing. These adjustments can create matchup advantages against specific opponents while highlighting the roster’s versatility.
Action Checklist
- Establish offensive sets around Zion Williamson’s interior dominance and pick-and-roll actions
- Configure defensive settings to protect perimeter against three-point specialists
- Implement staggered rotations to maintain scoring with bench units
- Experiment with small-ball lineups featuring Williamson at center for spacing
- Review our Complete Guide for additional franchise mode strategies
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » NBA 2K23 New Orleans Pelicans Roster And Ratings Master the New Orleans Pelicans roster in NBA 2K23 with expert analysis and winning strategies