Pelicans’ Jordan Hawkins earns praise from Willie Green: ‘He knows how to play’
Jordan Hawkins entered the NBA likely best known as a shooter, but the 14th pick is showing the New Orleans Pelicans that he can do much more than that.
Hawkins produced a team-high 17 points on Saturday in a 110-105 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in College Park, Georgia. He also added two rebounds and one assist in nearly 23 minutes of work on 5-of-11 shooting from 3-point range.
The former UConn standout caught fire in the fourth quarter, recording 14 points. He helped spread the floor during his time on the court, which helped open up things for others.
That, coach Willie Green said, will be crucial for the Pelicans this year.
He can (shoot it). He can get to the basket. He knows how to play. That’s the biggest thing. He knows when to take shots, when to shot-fake, when to drive, kick it to teammates. Teams are going to load up in the paint against our guys and we have to be willing and capable of taking and making catch-and-shoot 3s.
Hawk heat checkin' 🏹 pic.twitter.com/DOd4vfcGR5
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 14, 2023
Hawkins has had the green light to shoot so far in the preseason. He has converted nine of his 23 shots from 3-point range (39.1%) and is averaging 7.7 attempts in three games. With a quick release and great accuracy, Hawkins has helped the Pelicans in the early going.
The Pelicans wrap up the preseason on Tuesday in Orlando.
