New Orleans Pelicans forward Julian Reese is looking to bring some much-needed rebounding and defense to the team this year.
Julian Reese and Derik Queen were high school teammates. Then, they were teammates in college. Now, they're about to play together for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Reese signed a two-way deal with the Pelicans in the days leading up to training camp kicking off, securing him at least one pathway to an NBA roster. It's going to be up to his effort (and specifically rebounding) to get him playing time in New Orleans, but his past relationships won't hurt either.
When talking to either Reese or Queen about the other, it's quickly clear how long they go back and how well they get along.
"Derik... he's a great guy, a great person. He jokes a lot, like he just trolls a lot, but he's a great guy, a great dude, takes care of a lot of people around him, just a great person to be around," said Reese.
Queen had a little bit of a different approach when asked about what Reese brings to the team, and quickly proved Reese's description to be apt.
"Definitely rebounding, definitely physicality. I don't know if he's gonna block shots, though. I don't think he can jump, but I don't know. Good energy, good vibe, great player, great person. Fun to be around."
As for what Reese does bring to the floor, it's all about the rebounding so far. He appeared in 13 games for the Washington Wizards last season. In those games, he averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds. He did have an 18-point, 20-rebound double-double in one of his games. He had a couple of others where he finished with at least 15 points and 15 rebounds.
"I think it's all heart," said Reese while trying to explain why he's such a good rebounder. "Just going up and getting the rebound. I feel like it's a lost skill in the game today, especially in my position. Just trying to be able to do that and keep me on the floor, and I feel like doing that helps the team win."
While he did have some production at the rim on offense, it wasn't efficient despite most of his shots being close. Reese knows that he can't ignore growth on that side of the ball, but it clearly isn't the focus. The forward's best chance to make the roster is through the boards and on defense.
Given how bad the Wizards were last season, it should be no shock that the plus-minus numbers for Reese weren't great. The on/off numbers, though, show how much of an impact he did make. Per CleaningTheGlass, Reese had a 99th percentile effect on offensive rebounding and a 98th percentile impact on the other side. The team, as a whole, was better on both sides of the ball per 100 possessions because of that.
These may not be the flashiest skills, but everyone in New Orleans should know how important those things are. It's not that players haven't cared in the past, but coaching has clearly failed this team.
Last season, the Pelicans ranked No. 22 in terms of defensive efficiency and No. 19 in rebounding rate. If those ratings continue, this team would consider this season a massive failure. The coaches are asking for more from everyone, not just Reese.
With no real roster changes that suggest that New Orleans will all of a sudden be an elite rebounding team, there could be an opportunity for him to establish himself when he gets a chance.
