Redick: Pelicans lacked 'certain level of professionalism' in bubble

The New Orleans Pelicans closed out their 2019-20 campaign on a sour note, going just 2-6 in the seeding games.

Sharpshooter JJ Redick doesn't believe talent was the issue in the bubble that kept the Pelicans out of the playoffs.

"Well, we're a young team. There's a certain level of professionalism that we all still are learning," Redick told USA Today's Mark Medina. "We had some games where we didn't compete hard enough. That was really disappointing. I thought from a talent perspective and a depth perspective, we were a playoff team this year.

"So not to reach your potential as a team, you have to be disappointed in that. You obviously have to self-reflect and self-grade with how could I have been better. Down the line, each guy has to do that."

New Orleans finished 3 1/2 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies for a berth in the Western Conference play-in game. Although the club has recorded just one playoff series victory over the last 12 seasons, Redick believes the Pelicans' young core of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Lonzo Ball will change the franchise's fortunes.

"You have to build around those three guys and everybody else will continue to develop and get better," the veteran said. "Those three guys are going to be the leaders and headliners for the team going forward. They have a lot of potential and excitement."