The New Orleans Pelicans have been a team in search of the missing piece to their puzzle, and they might just have found it in the form of Duke Blue Devil alum, Austin Rivers.
With a lack of a traditional point guard in their lineup, the Pelicans are making a compelling push to bring Rivers back to the place where his basketball journey began.
In this article, we’ll explore how this move could greatly benefit the Pelicans and why Rivers could be the key to solidifying their roster.
A Point Guard Dilemma
The New Orleans Pelicans have been facing a point guard dilemma for quite some time. With a roster that’s brimming with talent, they’ve been missing a traditional point guard to orchestrate their plays effectively. This absence has held them back from reaching their full potential.
The Austin Rivers Connection
Enter Austin Rivers, a former Duke Blue Devil who has the potential to address this point guard deficit.
Rivers has been a journeyman in the NBA but has gained valuable experience that can be a game-changer for the Pelicans. His time at Duke also gives him an instant connection with the team’s star player, Zion Williamson.
Austin Rivers and Zion Williamson Reunion
Zion Williamson is a different beast pic.twitter.com/CT8eM18agn
— Hoops Alley (@thehoopsalley) October 11, 2023
Rivers played alongside Zion Williamson during their time at Duke University, and the chemistry they built during their college days could be the secret sauce for the Pelicans’ success.
The duo could seamlessly unite on the court, providing the team with the much-needed playmaking ability.
Creating a Formidable Starting Five
If the Pelicans manage to secure Rivers, they could create a formidable starting five. Rivers would start alongside the likes of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valančiūnas.
With Rivers handling the ball, Williamson and Ingram could focus on their scoring while McCollum provides additional firepower.
The New Orleans Pelicans are on the brink of something great, and uniting Zion Williamson with fellow Duke Blue Devil alum Austin Rivers could be the catalyst for their transformation.
The addition of Rivers as a traditional point guard is the missing piece of the puzzle, and the chemistry between him and Zion could elevate the Pelicans to new heights.
As the trade deadline approaches, it’ll be fascinating to see if this Duke reunion can become a reality, potentially reshaping the destiny of the Pelicans.
