On any team that isn't full of one-dimensional guards who can't shoot, Ian Clark is a third-string PG, and E'Twaun Moore is a third-string SF. New Orleans is not such a team.
Well, we can't entirely agree on that, because my thesis was that they needed a starting SG more than they needed a backup PG. I stand by that argument, even in the aftermath of last night's game. I mean, Nelson provides them with maturity, but what he doesn't provide them with is a third scoring option, which is where New Orleans' offense tends to fall apart.
Yeah in this case we have to agree to disagree. No matter which team they are on, all of them are guards. Moore never played SF in his career and was always used as a spot shooter and secondary ball handler. Wether you are labeled a PG or a SG really doesn't matter anymore on offense. It's the defense, that can cause problems, when players lack the length or the footspeed to guard their assigned position.
Well Crawford, Clark and Moore all are roughly the same size with Moore having the largest wingspan. Both Clark and Moore defend bigger guards way better than Crawford. All of them are bench players at best. Crawford is an instant offense dude, while Clark and Moore are system players.
Do the Pelicans need an instant offense guy? I don't think so at all. All Crawford does is jack up shots, stall the ball and player movement and play 1vs1. I know some believe to run a good offense you need guys able to break down their man 1vs1, but when it comes to bench units I simply disagree. A good offense is based on good screens, good ball movement and good player movement. Clark is a very capable player in such an offense.
The main problem of the Pel's was, that they lacked a guy, who could run the pick&roll, until Rondo comes back. Nelson, while being nothing more than a 3rd PG anymore, still helps with that.
And btw. you don't pay Holiday big bucks and don't expect him to be the 3rd option on offense. In order to get into the Playoffs Holiday has to step up his game. If that doesn't happen Crawford is certainly not the guy, who will move the needle for a team. Holiday's performance so far, has been terrible.