Pelicans’ Jordan Hawkins earns shoutout from Paul George: ‘I’ve been a fan of him’
Jordan Hawkins is off to a good start this season with the New Orleans Pelicans, and the 14th pick recently earned praise from eight-time All-Star Paul George.
Hawkins is averaging 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range in 21 games. He is fourth in rookie scoring and is one of three first-year players with multiple 25-point games (3). He also leads the class in 3-pointers (56).
He has emerged as a key player with the Pelicans. He helped fill in when the team dealt with injuries early in the season and has started and come off the bench. Hawkins has provided steady production in either role and has been one of the top rookies.
George, speaking on his podcast, recognized Hawkins.
This kid has found his game, rhythm and home. I’ve been a fan of him ever since he was training at Proactive (in California) this summer; (a) really good player, a really good kid. Shoots the (expletive) out of it. He has got the Michael Redd, young Ray Allen (game). He is a sharpshooter. He can shoot the hell out of it. He is a scorer, and was a scorer when he was at UConn. Pay attention to Jordan Hawkins.
"He's got like the Michael Redd, young Ray Allen [game]. Just sharpshooter."
Jordan Hawkins is a rookie on the rise for New Orleans 📈 pic.twitter.com/jUlymUlOT6
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) November 30, 2023
The 21-year-old can contribute in a variety of ways, but his shooting has really stood out. He has knocked down a 3-pointer in every game thus far and has the most by any player through the first 21 games of a career.
Hawkins also tied teammate Trey Murphy III on Nov. 6 for the most 3s by a rookie in a single game in franchise history (7) en route to a career-high 31 points. He became the sixth rookie in team history to reach that mark in a game.
He has stepped in when needed and provided good production for the team. He has earned the respect of those inside and outside the organization and looks to be in store for a strong rookie campaign.
