When asked about the Pelicans defense and whether its high ranking (4th) to start this season is a direct effect of Stan Van Gundy at the helm, Nick Nurse danced around the question a bit, instead choosing to remark that SVG is a good coach and the Pelicans are a good team.
The Raptors head coach also went on to mention that New Orleans’ size advantage stands out on their roster and he took time to single out several from the Pelicans bench, specifically naming JJ Redick, Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
After appearing in just four minutes of garbage time in the season opener, NAW failed to leave the bench the following two games; however, he’s back on the radar following a solid 22-minute showing in Phoenix (11 points, four assists) and then a productive 19-minute effort (14 points, three rebounds, two steals) against the Thunder.