What did we learn?
The Pelicans have concluded their Summer League play, and there were plenty of takeaways from this endeavor.
Summer League is over. Pelicans may have missed the championship, due to some bs, but they did finish their stint undefeated. Going 5-0 and added some more much needed optimism and hope to this team. One of the reality of the situation of this team is that this team needs to go to the playoffs this season. Not necessarily make the finals, but get this overall young group to experience winning. And so far, new head coach Willie Green may have gotten it through in just the summer league:
That was forward Naji Marshall speaking about Green, and it sounds very promising. One reason why Doc Rivers has stuck around the league for so long is his ability to connect with the players. Green seems to be in that exact same mindset, and it could go a long way with the team altogether.
For now, let’s do a quick analyzation of some performances from key players.
Trey Murphy:
I don’t think it is an understatement when I say that Trey Murphy is a dark horse ROY candidate. Murphy displayed his skillset of being a 3nD wing, and wowed many Pelicans fans. The 50/43/92 numbers he put up in Virginia were no lie. He shot the ball very well, and was often the most efficient shooter on the team (see vs. Golden State), but his shooting wasn't the only thing that left many with their mouths hanging. Murphy’s defense was also on point. Going to Virginia really helped him a lot improve his defensive skills and makes me wonder why no one has tried to hire Virginia’s HC or any of the key assistants to improve their defense. Whatever the case, seeing a player like Murphy shoot the ball and defend the ball the way he does is something the New Orleans basketball team hasn't had in I think ever. There is a legitimate argument made that he should start alongside Zion and Ingram.
Naji Marshall:
One of the second year players that many were looking forward to see how he develops showed why he got the contract he got. Naji displayed his ability to hit mid range shots and a little more. In the last game of the summer league, while he didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, he showed some very impressive passing and good rebounding. Naji does similarly what Josh Hart does: scrappy, effort, and energy. Few differences between the two are that Naji is bigger, better shooter (from what it looks like) while Josh Hart is more athletic and is a better cutter. It was a bit surprising the see the Pelicans resign him, but there might be plans to trade Hart because in my opinion: Naji took Hart’s job.
Kira Lewis:
Kira is still expected to be the future point guard for this team. His shooting was a bit up and down (times where he shot well like against Cleveland, but then had games like against Golden St.) his speed and explosiveness were still top notch, and he shown himself to be a rather talented help defender. There is a role for him, but the question remains will he get any minutes. Last year, he had no summer league and limited preseason. This year? There’s just a lot of talented players that are better than him at this moment. Could he be headed for the Birmingham Squadron? It’s a possibility. Would allow him to improve his offensive skillset a bit. Keep improving Kira.
Didi Louzada:
Louzada entered the team on a new deal, got a four year extension and was made clear that he will be part of the Pelicans future. Louzada knew he had to improve his shooting and can’t just rely on his defensive ability. That ability did show itself and was still as great as it was towards the end of the season. Louzada also did fine with his shooting. Still needs work, but the rewards from the effort of improving it did show. Louzada also shown himself to be more comfortable as a ball-handler, easily carving himself a role as a bench ball-handler in the future. He will likely spend time on the Squadron to keep improving that shot as well as a ball-handler. He’s going to be a nice, key role player.
Herb Jones:
Herb Jones lived up to his draft profile to a “t”. Very skilled at the defensive side with some nice versatility, a very underrated passer, while still needs to improve scoring wise. Jones got a three-year deal as the team gave two-way contracts to other players, but it is clear he’ll spend likely his first two years in the league on the Squadron. Jones will need to become at least serviceable scoring wise to get significant playing time, but his defensive ability and play making will surely keep Pelicans front office to have hope.
Jose Alvarado:
One of the players the Pelicans signed to a two-way contract, the small point guard from Georgia Tech made some key plays coming off the bench. Alvarado showed that he is also a really, really good defender, averaging nearly two steals per game. He was a pest at times. Scoring wise, he did fine. Was solid all around though his small stature did reel itself when driving. Still, a fine potential back-up point guard for the near future for this team. Those steals will come in handy.
Daulton Hommes:
Meet the other player the Pelicans gave a two-way contract to. Hommes didn’t make the best first impression, often struggling to hit threes and had some weird shot selections. For a while, he did not hit a three until the final game. Still, the Pelicans gave him the other two-way deal and there must be something about him that the Pelicans liked. Should he improve his shooting, I guess he can be a serviceable bench player, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
Moses Wright:
The final player worth noting is the other UDFA the Pelicans brought in to play for the Summer League team. Wright did well as a bench center: boxed out fine, scored well in the post, and did acceptable as a rim protector. It’s rather unlikely he’ll be with the team after, but maybe he’ll make the Summer League team next year. Was a tad disappointed he didn't get the other two-way deal.
So now that’s done… is Buddy Hield trade dead?