Why Zion Williamson’s supporting role won’t change before the trade deadline

The The New Orleans Pelicans don’t plan about reinventing anything ahead of Friday night’s rematch against the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies. Interim head coach James Borrego is betting continuity more important than counterstriking when it comes to backing up Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Sadiq Bey, Derrick Quinn and Herb Jones they gave improved starts and a clearer defensive identity. It’s a small sample size with Jones back in the lineup, though early returns have reinforced the idea that this group deserves a longer look.

Essentially, with rookie Jeremy Fears and second-year center Yves Missy projected as the first two replacements, the Pelicans emphasize size, length and defensive versatility from the start. Fans shouldn’t expect any changes. Borrego said the new starting five did his job early, especially in setting the defensive tone at the Smoothie King Center.

“Well, they’re off to a better start overall,” Borrego admitted. “So it’s more positive now. I like the size, the length and the defensive mentality. So we’re off to a good start there. We’ve got to be better, though, in certain areas. We’ve got to (play) cleaner, but I like it. We’ve got two games. It’s a good start. We’ve got a long way to go, but I think it’s so good.”

The commitment to the lineup doesn’t mean the Pelicans lack flexibility.

Fears and Missy were the first two players off the bench, a pairing that Borrego believes complements the starters, not hinders them.

“I think Yves Misi came in and gave us a lot of energy,” Borrego added. “He adds some defense to that group.”

Late-game performances remain the bigger test. The Pelicans have emphasized composure without sacrificing the lead, and Borrego says the team is learning to manage in real time.

“We’ve been working on it, we’ve talked about it, but you have to execute,” Borrego explained. “There’s definitely a focus on that, focus on that. Those last five minutes against San Antonio, same thing. Nobody panicked. We’ve been here before, talked about what it takes to get possession by possession on both sides of the ball: to be a composed team and continue to keep our aggression. We don’t want to lose the last five minutes to get our aggression, but to have the back of the offense. I’m really proud of that group, there’s definitely tension there and it’s not going to go away.

For now, that belief in the process is driving the decision to stay the course. Against a familiar opponent and with momentum going forward, Borrego is less interested in tweaking the lineup than seeing how far this version of the Pelicans can go.