Joe Dumars tried to frame the New Orleans Pelicans’ defensive future around a simple idea on media day: if guys compete, the defense will follow.
That was the pitch as he talked about Bennedict Mathurin and Trendon Watford fitting into Jamahl Mosley’s system. Dumars pointed to their competitiveness and the coach’s defensive emphasis as reasons to believe the group can improve.
“Defense is just about how hard you want to compete…with (Bennedict) Mathurin and (Trendon) Watford, I like to bring in guys who are competitors, like not backing out, like not taking a step back from anybody. And I think along with that when you have a coach that that's his primary focus is getting guys to compete on the defensive end… I think it bodes well for your defense to get better,” said Dumars.
There’s something appealing about that line of thinking. Every team wants players who battle, and the best defenses usually bring real edge every night. But reducing defense to effort alone goes way too far.
That’s especially true when it comes to Mathurin. His calling card has always been scoring - getting downhill, drawing contact, and piling up free throws.
He’s a wing built to put pressure on the rim, not someone whose reputation has ever been tied to shutting people down. Selling him as a defensive swing piece feels like a stretch.
Watford is a little easier to understand in that context. He brings more positional flexibility and can switch across spots, which gives him a cleaner path to helping on that end. Even so, the idea that he’s suddenly an everyday answer is a lot to ask.
The larger point is simple: competing matters, but it’s only part of the equation. Good defense also depends on rotations, screen navigation, ball containment, lane awareness, and the physical tools to actually carry out the assignment. Plenty of players play hard and still end up being average - or worse - on defense.
That’s why the Pelicans have a bigger hill to climb if they want to become elite after finishing near the bottom of the league in defensive rating the last two seasons. A coach who prioritizes defense helps. But banking on competitiveness alone to turn that into a major turnaround is asking for too much.
In Other News...
Pelicans Rookie Jaron Pierre Jr. Is Giving New Orleans Fans A Reason To Smile
Jaron Pierre Jr. got to bring his NBA journey back to where it started this week, returning to St. Augustine for a Pelicans practice in the gym where he first learned the game. For a rookie trying to carve out his place in New Orleans, the setting fit the moment. Pierre has already been open about how difficult his college path was, and now hes getting a chance to play for the team he grew up watching, which gives his first steps with the Pelicans a little more meaning.
Jamahl Mosley has noticed the energy Pierre brings with him every day. The Pelicans coach praised the rookies joy and his work ethic as he gets ready for his first preseason game, a useful combination for a player trying to turn a hometown opportunity into something bigger. For a franchise looking for reasons to feel good early, Pierres story has given fans at least one. [Read more 🡒]
Grizzlies Just Sent A Clear Message About This Roster Overhaul
The Grizzlies have already sent one loud signal about how serious they are about reshaping the roster, and the ripple effect reached New Orleans too. Memphis moved Ja Morant to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, then pulled in Jordan Hawkins from the Pelicans as part of the offseason shuffle before eventually waiving him, putting him on the market again.
For New Orleans, Hawkins brief stop in Memphis is another reminder of how quickly the league can turn a player into a movable piece during an overhaul. The Pelicans have watched the Grizzlies make bold changes around the margins and at the top of the roster, and Hawkins now heads into free agency with his next landing spot still to be determined. [Read more 🡒]
Pelicans Fans Know Why Lakers Should Worry About Kevon Looney
The Lakers decision to add Kevon Looney on a veteran minimum deal was meant to shore up the center rotation behind Walker Kessler, but Pelicans fans already know the fit comes with some questions. Looney spent last season in New Orleans, and the look he gave the Pelicans was not the same steady, championship-level presence the Lakers are hoping to get from a backup big.
Early training camp reports only add to the unease around what Looney can still provide on a night-to-night basis. Los Angeles is already staring at roster cuts and a deadline to trim guaranteed contracts, so if the backup center spot remains unsettled, the front office may not wait long to explore a trade and try to find a more dependable option. [Read more 🡒]