Jim Eichenhofer

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NBA draft analysts attempting to project New Orleans’ lone 2024 pick currently have bigger dilemmas on their hands, including trying to forecast which player will go to Atlanta at the top of the board. A draft class that features no consensus No. 1 pick could create a highly chaotic, unpredictable Round 1 on June 26 (ABC, ESPN, 7 p.m. Central), with twists and turns unlike the NBA has seen in over a decade at the annual event. Somewhat paradoxically however, updated mock-draft predictions for the Pelicans at No. 21 overall actually have reached some semblance of agreement. When Pelicans.com checked in with various websites last week, the projections were somewhat split between guards and centers, but this time there’s a significant frontcourt tilt to what draft pundits are expecting New Orleans to do with its late-first round selection (player pro comparisons are provided by a wide range of sites, such as Bleacher Report):

The Athletic (June 5): Zach Edey, Purdue center“The Pelicans might have a significant need at center with&nbsp;Jonas Valanciunas hitting free agency. Ideally they’d find one who can shoot from 3 to play next to Zion Williamson, but Edey is clearly the best big on the board at this point.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

Bleacher Report (June 7): Yves Missi, Baylor center“(At the draft combine in Chicago), Yves Missi measured well at nearly 6-11 in socks with a 7-2 wingspan. He should start to draw mid-to-late first-round interest from teams that covet his defensive upside as a rim protector and his ability to move his feet around the perimeter and recover in pick-and-roll coverage.”Missi pro comparisons: Clint Capela, Jalen Duren, Kevin Looney, Mark Williams

CBSSports.com/Colin Ward-Henninger (June 4): Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh guard“Who knows what the Pelicans roster will look like come October, so they’ll likely just draft the best prospect available at No. 21. To me that’s Carrington (better known as Bub), who profiles as a heat-check bucket-getter with a deadly pull-up jumper who can also be a secondary playmaker (think Bones Hyland or Lou Williams, but bigger).”Carrington pro comparisons: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Spencer Dinwiddie, Shaun Livingston, Lou Williams

CBSSports.com/Adam Finkelstein (June 11): Zach Edey, Purdue center“Jonas Valanciunas is a free agent and center is the one position that the Pelicans haven’t invested any recent draft picks. Edey, who was as dominant a college center as we’ve seen in a long time, is the best one on the board, but DaRon Holmes could be another option.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

ESPN.com (June 11) For need: Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh guard“The Pelicans have good depth and might be willing to take a swing on a high-upside player such as Carrington, who has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this range.”Carrington pro comparisons: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Spencer Dinwiddie, Shaun Livingston, Lou WilliamsFor value: Kel’el Ware, Indiana center“This is still a gamble at No. 21, but an interesting one for a New Orleans team that might need to reenvision its minutes at center next season.”Ware pro comparisons: Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, Brook Lopez, Myles Turner

Hoops Hype (June 11): Zach Edey, Purdue center“When asked where he believes his current draft range is by HoopsHype, Edey replied between 10 to 25, and if this pick holds, it could make sense for the bruising center.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

NBADraft.net (June 12): Zach Edey, Purdue center“New Orleans continues to push to add the right pieces around their core to make the jump into true contender status. New Orleans will hope that Edey can speed his game up and give them consistent minutes.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

NBA Draft Room (June 7): Kel’el Ware, Indiana center“Ware had a big sophomore season, his first at Indiana, improving in all aspects of the game and showing a better competitive fire. His upside could be too much to pass on at this point in the draft.”Ware pro comparisons: Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, Brook Lopez, Myles Turner

The Ringer (June 4): Yves Missi, Baylor center“Missi could become everything the Pelicans hoped they were getting when they drafted Jaxson Hayes, as an active rim protector and vertical threat. And with Jonas Valanciunas unlikely to return, there’s a clear need for a center.”Missi pro comparisons: Clint Capela, Jalen Duren, Kevin Looney, Mark Williams

SB Nation (June 10): Kyle Filipowski, Duke center“He lacks ideal length and speed for an NBA big man, but if his shot develops, he could give New Orleans a big man who can space the floor and get the ball to Zion Williamson and company.”Filipowski pro comparisons: Santi Aldama, Zach Collins, Isaiah Hartenstein, Brad Miller

USA Today (June 11): Yves Missi, Baylor center“Good athlete and is an effective rim protector and rebounder, but must work on offensive game, especially establishing post moves, to justify a possible lottery pick. Has trouble at free throw line and could add pounds to body to boost draft stock.”Missi pro comparisons: Clint Capela, Jalen Duren, Kevin Looney, Mark Williams

Yahoo! Sports (June 4): Yves Missi, Baylor center“Missi didn’t shoot the ball well during the combine but still projects as a high-producing center in the NBA with how well he moves and his development as a pick-and-roll option. He was one of the best rim-running bigs in college basketball this past season.”Missi pro comparisons: Clint Capela, Jalen Duren, Kevin Looney, Mark Williams

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Mock draft roundup: Projections shift primarily to centers for Pelicans at No. 21

After finishing 2023-24 with a 49-33 record – New Orleans’ best regular season in 15 years – the Pelicans are set to select 21st overall in the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26. That would be the franchise’s lowest first-round pick over the exact same timeframe, with the then-Hornets picking guard Darren Collison at No. 21 in 2009. Given New Orleans’ late-first round draft position and the highly unpredictable nature of the 2024 class, it may be more difficult than ever to project which players will be available to the Pelicans on the final Wednesday of this month. More than is the case in the vast majority of years, NBA analysts vary widely in their evaluations and draft ranges for a multitude of 2024 prospects, potentially making this crop an “eye of the beholder” class.

With that in mind, here are the most recent projections from numerous draft sites on how New Orleans will use its 21st pick (Orlando, Toronto and Cleveland hold the three picks just before the Pelicans at 18-20, while Phoenix selects at No. 22). NOLA currently does not hold a second-round pick. All quoted comments on the team's Round 1 options below are excerpts from analysis by each respective media outlet. With 2024 being a lesser-known collection of players relative to many Junes, pro player comparisons listed are a helpful compilation via sources including Bleacher Report, ESPN.com, The Ringer and NBADraft.net, among others:

The Athletic (May 12): Zach Edey, Purdue center“Edey was the best player in college basketball, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and more than two blocks per game on his way to back-to-back National Player of the Year awards. He establishes position anywhere and everywhere on the court because of his size and strength, yet possesses remarkable touch around the rim.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

Bleacher Report (June 4): Yves Missi, Baylor center“Yves Missi would be an intriguing option. While he doesn’t have the spacing you’d want from the ideal (Zion) Williamson running mate, he should be an early contributor as a rim-runner who adds both paint protection and enough fluidity to defend pick-and-rolls.”Missi pro comparisons: Clint Capela, Jalen Duren, Kevin Looney, Mark Williams

CBSSports.com/Gary Parrish (May 14): Yves Missi, Baylor center“Missi is an incredible physical specimen who is excellent at the rim on offense and in possession of enough athleticism, size and strength to excel defensively.”Missi pro comparisons: Clint Capela, Jalen Duren, Kevon Looney, Mark Williams

ESPN.com (June 3): Isaiah Collier, USC guard“With few teams in the Nos. 12-20 range in the market for a lead guard with questionable shooting ability, Collier has a wide range because of the amount of playmaking usage he’ll likely need to reach his full potential and the fact that most of the teams picking outside the top 10 are in win-now mode. The Pelicans might be a team willing to take a longer view, as they don’t have any glaring roster needs that they are likely to fill at this stage in the draft.”Collier pro comparisons: Eric Bledsoe, Tyreke Evans, Emmanuel Mudiay, Jeff Teague

Hoops Hype (May 28): Zach Edey, Purdue center“When asked where he believes his current draft range is by HoopsHype, Edey replied between 10 to 25, and if this pick holds, it could make sense for the bruising center.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

NBA Draft Room (May 30): Kel’el Ware, Indiana center“Ware had a big sophomore season, his first at Indiana, improving in all aspects of the game and showing a better competitive fire. His upside could be too much to pass on at this point in the draft.”Ware pro comparisons: Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, Brook Lopez, Myles Turner

SB Nation (May 12): Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor guard“At 6’5 with a 6’10 wingspan, Walter is an off-ball wing who can space the floor and defend bigger guards. He’s a smart relocator around the three-point line, and got up an impressive 220 three-point attempts as a freshman at Baylor even if his accuracy waned.”Walter pro comparisons: Reggie Bullock, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Khris Middleton, Gary Trent Jr.

SI.com (June 3): Nikola Topic, Serbia guard“This feels like the lower end of draft range for Topic, but this appears to be a solid fit if it happens.”Topic pro comparisons: Goran Dragic, Josh Giddey, Vasilije Micic, Tony Parker, Tomas Satoransky

Sporting News (May 14): Zach Edey, Purdue center“Edey was even more dominant than usual on Purdue’s run to the national championship, averaging 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He showed that his conditioning and mobility improved tremendously, playing all but two minutes and 50 seconds from the Sweet 16 through the title game.”Edey pro comparisons: Boban Marjanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Ivica Zubac

USA Today (May 12): Kyshawn George, Miami guard“Scouts who tend to like big guards are intrigued by him and rave about his playmaking instincts. He averaged 0.72 passes per touch, via Stats Perform, which ranked among the most of any player included on the latest consensus big board. Although he is a late bloomer, he shot 40.8 percent on 3-pointers in his first year of college basketball."George pro comparisons: Kevin Huerter, Joe Ingles, Cam Johnson

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Mock draft roundup: Centers, guards dominate projections for Pelicans' No. 21 pick

Although the initial focus of a 2019 blockbuster trade between New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers centered on the big-name players who changed addresses between the Gulf Coast and the West (Anthony Davis, Brandon Ingram), a highly-appealing aspect of the deal from a Pelicans perspective was the significant future draft capital it meant for the Crescent City. The transaction is still yielding dividends a half-decade later.

With June 1 as a pre-established deadline, New Orleans officially chose to defer the rights to a future first-round pick from the Lakers to 2025. The Pelicans had the option to take over L.A.’s first-rounder this year – which is No. 17 overall – but opted to do so next June instead, with that selection determined by the Lakers’ placement in the 2024-25 standings. There is consensus agreement among NBA draft analysts that next year’s draft class features more talent and productive prospects than the one that will join the league later this month. The 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled to be held June 26-27 in Barclays Center.

New Orleans maintains its own first-round pick (No. 21 overall) in this year’s event. For the first time, the NBA has split the annual draft into two nights. Round 1 will occur June 26 from Brooklyn, followed by Round 2 the next evening. ABC and ESPN are televising the 30-pick first round, with ESPN carrying the latter round (28 picks this year, due to Philadelphia and Phoenix vacating selections as a result of violating tampering rules).

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Pelicans defer rights to Lakers first-round pick to 2025

Among the various things Herb Jones has accomplished during his brief three-year NBA career, one of the most important feats can only be appreciated within the context of franchise history. On Tuesday, Jones became the fourth New Orleans player in its 22 seasons to claim the prestigious honor of being named NBA First-Team All-Defense, something previously done in the Crescent City by Chris Paul (2008-09), Jrue Holiday (2017-18) and Anthony Davis (also 2017-18).

What makes Jones’ honor a bit more unique compared to that of those former Big Easy performers is something the selfless, Alabama native likely can appreciate: He’s been at the forefront of turning the Pelicans into a consistent, quality defensive team, something that eluded New Orleans for the vast majority of its existence.

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Highlights: Herbert Jones Top Defensive Plays from 1st half of 2023-24 NBA season

Prior to Jones being drafted No. 35 overall in 2021, New Orleans had finished between 21st and 23rd in defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions) in each of the previous three seasons. Even during the 2017-18 campaign when both Holiday and Davis were First-Team All-Defense, the Pelicans were a middle-of-the-road 14th in the advanced statistic. From the franchise’s inaugural season of 2002-03 prior to Jones becoming a second-round draft steal, New Orleans had placed in the top 10 of defensive rating just four times in 19 seasons – and never higher than sixth place.

By comparison, the Pelicans ranked exactly sixth in defense in 2022-23 and 2023-24, the first time the club has ever been a top-10 defensive unit in consecutive years. Jones also reached uncharted territory among New Orleans’ First-Team All-Defense picks for another reason: He claimed the honor in just the third year of his NBA career. Paul’s initial first-team status occurred in Year 4, while Davis’ came in Year 5. Holiday was a nine-year pro when he was selected to the league’s elite defensive squad with New Orleans.

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Herb Jones' Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

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NBA First-Team All-Defense honor puts Herb Jones in unique territory within New Orleans franchise history

Age: 22NBA experience: One season (one with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 67/10Key stats: 7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 36.6 three-point percentage, 83.8 FT percentage

Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

Several parallels can be drawn between New Orleans recent first-round draft picks Trey Murphy (No. 17 in 2021) and Hawkins (No. 14 in 2023), including that both players needed to earn playing time as rookies, receiving double-digit DNPs. During their minutes on the floor, both displayed significant long-term upside, while also delivering an immediate impact, helping the Pelicans win games despite their first-year status. Murphy made a couple of the most important buckets during the ’22 play-in tournament elimination game victory at the LA Clippers, while Hawkins twice scored 25-plus points in Southwest Division wins over Dallas this season.

Hawkins’ talent and shooting ability are why Pelicans center Larry Nance Jr. projected big things for the UConn product on April 30.

“Jordan Hawkins is going to be an awesome player,” Nance said, while being interviewed for “The Squad” documentary series. “He’s going to be awesome.”

Thinking back to his own experience, Murphy recalled the improvement the forward made during the offseason following his rookie campaign. The Rice and Virginia product then finished seventh in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting for 2022-23.

“I’m super excited for him,” Murphy said, alluding to Hawkins’ ability to build off of Year 1. “This is the part of the process that is so important. My rookie year I didn’t play as much at first – started to play more at the end. But I used that motivation of not playing to really fuel that summer (of preparation). So I’m just really excited to see what he does when he comes back.”

Hawkins plans to continue to add strength and muscle to his frame, which will make him a tougher defender at the pro level.

“This is a very important summer for me,” Hawkins said in his April 30 exit interview. “I know I need to make that step, make that leap that I know I’m capable of doing.”

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Jordan Hawkins Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

The Athletic's Will Guillory recaps New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins' 2023-24 NBA season.

Jordan Hawkins' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Ranking among all NBA rookies in total three-pointers made (109). Every player ahead of him on that list essentially logged twice as many minutes as Hawkins (Brandon Miller, Keyonte George, Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama). Hawkins played the 21st-most minutes among rookies (1,161).

Ranking among all NBA rookies in free throw percentage (minimum 60 games played). Only Marcus Sasser, Gradey Dick and George were more accurate from the foul line among first-year players. Hawkins shot 14/16 in four meetings with Dallas.

Minutes per game for Hawkins in November, the only full month he averaged more than 20. Amid early-season injuries to backcourt players CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado, Hawkins started eight times among his 16 November appearances.

Jordan Hawkins’ three most notable games

One of the top single-game performances of the entire NBA season from any rookie, he rang up 34 points as the extremely shorthanded Pelicans stunned the Mavericks on the latter’s home floor. Hawkins was 11/19 from the field, including 6/12 on three-pointers. He added five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Guard Jordan Hawkins scored a career high 34 points during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 in American Airlines Center.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jordan Hawkins with career high 34 points vs. Mavericks 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins' postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jordan Hawkins talks his performance, chemistry with Valanciunas | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado's postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jose Alvarado on win over Mavericks, Hawkins performance | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 118, Mavericks 108

The Pelicans’ first-ever In-Season Tournament victory was spearheaded by hot shooting from their lottery pick in the Smoothie King Center. Hawkins came off the bench firing, finishing with 25 points, highlighted by 5/12 three-point shooting.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins scores 25 points in the team's In-Season Tournament win against the Dallas Mavericks.

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Highlights: Jordan Hawkins racks up 25 Points vs. Dallas Mavericks 11/14/23

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins' postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Nov. 14 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jordan Hawkins on bounceback win vs. Mavs, shooting confidence | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 11/14/23

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Photos: Pelicans vs Mavericks | Game Action 11/14/2023

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NBA In-Season Tournament postgame wrap: Pelicans 131, Mavericks 110

Hawkins served notice by tallying 31 points and lighting up Ball Arena with seven three-point buckets in 14 attempts. In only his seventh NBA game, he scored 16 points in the opening half, then tacked on 15 more after intermission, but the defending NBA champions came back from a double-digit deficit.

Guard Jordan Hawkins scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-19 (.526) shooting from the field including 7-of-14 from three-point range. Hawkins also tallied seven rebounds during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 6 in Ball Arena.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jordan Hawkins with 31 points vs Denver Nuggets

Pelicans Guard Jordan Hawkins scored 16 points on 6-of-10 (.600) shooting from the field in the first half during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 6 in Ball Arena.

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Jordan Hawkins scores 16 in first half | Pelicans at Nuggets 11/6/2023

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Postgame wrap: Nuggets 134, Pelicans 116

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Photos: Pelicans at Nuggets | Game Action 11/6/2023

Jordan Hawkins’ player participation report

His role fluctuated throughout the season, very dependent on the availability of some of the team’s numerous veteran guards and wings. After playing in every game through early December, he began receiving sporadic DNPs, though he did have a stretch from New Year’s Eve through Feb. 10 of playing in 21 consecutive games. However, some of his games-played total was inflated by New Orleans being part of so many blowouts (he logged single-digit minutes in six separate games that were decided by 20-plus points).

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Jordan Hawkins | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

Age: 21NBA experience: Two seasons (two with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 61/16Key stats: 5.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg

Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

Daniels played well enough during his first 52 regular season games that on Feb. 6 the NBA named him as a participant in the Rising Stars competition at All-Star weekend. Unfortunately for the second-year guard, a Feb. 2 ankle injury against the Lakers not only ended his streak of appearing in every New Orleans game, but also prevented him from taking the stage in Indianapolis for the showcase event featuring the league’s premier young players.

“I set some goals at the start of the year, and one of them was to be selected to the Rising Stars team,” he said. “To be selected was an honor and a goal for me. Obviously I was injured and wasn’t able to play in it. I think I took steps forward this year, but I’ve got a long way to go.”

The native of Australia noted during his April 30 exit interview that one area of long-term focus is perimeter shooting, after he’s hovered around 31 percent on three-pointers each of his two NBA seasons. Daniels wants to bump that up to “high 30s, 40s,” which would force defenses to account for his jumper within the Pelicans’ offense.

Daniels continued to be a top defender (tied for 13th among all NBA players in steals at 1.4 per game), while making incremental jumps in other categories.

“I think I took a step from last year in defending, being able to play with a presence, playing with the ball, playmaker for my teammates,” he said. “Growth in a little bit of everything in my game. There’s a lot more growth I have left in me. I’m looking forward to showing that in Year 3.”

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Dyson Daniels Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Pelicans radio color analyst John DeShazier recaps New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels' 2023-24 NBA season.

Dyson Daniels' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Rank among all NBA players for Daniels in steals per 36 minutes (minimum 50 regular season games played). His rate of 2.3 thefts per 36 trailed only Portland ace defending wing Matisse Thybulle (2.7) and Brooklyn guard Dennis Smith Jr. (2.3). Pelicans teammate Jose Alvarado ranked sixth on that list (2.1).

NBA players born in Australia who appeared in at least one game during the 2023-24 season. Several of them will be part of the national team that competes in the Olympics in France. “I’ve got a big summer ahead of me, the Olympics coming up,” Daniels said April 30. “I think I took big steps this year. Hopefully next year I can make an even bigger jump.”

Daniels rank all-time among Australian-born players in career NBA games played (120). He’ll move into the top dozen of that list if he plays 36 or more games in 2024-25, sliding ahead of center Chris Anstey (1998-2000 with Dallas and Chicago).

Dyson Daniels’ three most notable games

#1, Jan. 7, New Orleans 133, Sacramento 100

Daniels played in all six victories over the Kings, including his top offensive performance of the season. He was perfect from the field and three-point range (6/6, 2/2), finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and six assists in Golden 1 Center.

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 133, Kings 100

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green's postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Jan. 7 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Willie Green recaps win in Sacramento | Pelicans-Kings Postgame Interview 1/7/2024

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Photos: Pelicans vs. Kings | Game Action 1/7/2024

A home victory over the defending NBA champions was critical in the Pelicans eventually qualifying for the In-Season Tournament knockout rounds. Daniels started and produced 10 points, eight boards, seven assists and three steals.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels speaks to the media following the team's In-Season Tournament win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday, November 17, 2023.

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Dyson Daniels on Zion Williamson, increased confidence | Pelicans vs Nuggets Postgame 11/17/23

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NBA In-Season Tournament postgame wrap: Pelicans 115, Nuggets 110

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Photos: Pelicans vs Nuggets | Game Action 11/17/2023

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Photos: Pelicans vs. Nuggets | Postgame Locker Room Celebration 11/17/23

An extremely shorthanded Pelicans squad benefited greatly from one of his best all-around showings, featuring 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists in Texas. His 38 minutes were the second-most he logged all season.

Guard Dyson Daniels hits a layup to close out the first quarter during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 in American Airlines Center.

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Dyson Daniels finishes the tough layup to close the first | Pelicans at Mavericks Highlights 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green's postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Willie Green recaps win over Dallas | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

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Photos: Pelicans at Mavericks | Game Action 1/13/2024

Dyson Daniels’ player participation report

A severely sprained right ankle sidelined him for 21 consecutive games from early February through late March, but he appeared in each of the first 52 contests, as well as the final nine of the regular season. Those 61 games played were only two more than his rookie tally, but with an increased role, Daniels logged 1,358 total minutes, compared to 1,042 in Year 1.

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Dyson Daniels | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

Age: 26NBA experience: Four seasons (four with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 66/1Key stats: 7.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 38.7 three-point percentage, 79.1 FT percentage

Pelicans forward Naji Marshall’s 2023-24 NBA season overview

One of the key cogs for a New Orleans bench that ranked second in plus-minus this season (after finishing eighth last season and No. 22 in 2021-22), Marshall provided defense, energy, toughness, hustle and was an improved shooter and offensive player in his fourth season.

“All of these guys all season long, they’ve all contributed to wins and have contributed to this journey,” third-year head coach Willie Green said of his second unit. “They’re important to what we do. It’s refreshing to see the results.” Brandon Ingram on Pelicans subs: “It just feels like they’re always in the right spots at the right time, and they always bring energy. Naji changes the game in a big way on the defensive side, pushing the pace.”

Marshall went undrafted in 2020 partly due to questions about his perimeter shot (29 percent on three-pointers over three seasons at Xavier in Ohio), but he’s begun to answer those as a pro. He hovered over 40 percent for a long stretch of 2023-24, before finishing at 38.7.

“Reps on top of reps on top of reps,” Marshall explained of his improvement. “Hours being in the gym. Getting that confidence, knowing I work on it and just trusting my work when I get on the court. (And) of course my teammates trusting me.”

The Atlantic City (N.J.) native will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. He’s repeatedly expressed gratitude for being in the NBA, including noting of the NOLA bench’s second-ranked status, “just to be a part of that gave me chills.”

“I’m blessed to be here,” he said. “All glory to God. Just to be able to get in an NBA game, and just get a chance, is everything to me.”

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Naji Marshall Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Pelicans radio color analyst John DeShazier recaps New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall's 2023-24 NBA season.

Naji Marshall's per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Three-point percentage over his previous three NBA seasons (116 of 406), making him one of the league’s most improved perimeter shooters.

Percentage of his points that came after opponent turnovers. Among Pelicans players who logged significant minutes, that ranked third (Dyson Daniels 20.6, Herb Jones 20.3).

Team-leading buzzer-beating heaves by Marshall at the ends of quarters. Daniels (four) and Larry Nance Jr. (three) were next on the Pelicans.

Naji Marshall’s three most notable games

#1, April 19, New Orleans 105, Sacramento 98

Marshall was arguably the team’s MVP in the victory that sent the Pelicans to the playoffs, bringing aggressive defense and opportunistic offense to a sixth consecutive win over the Kings. He netted 11 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block, relentless hounding Sacramento’s top scorers.

Play-In highlights from New Orleans vs. the Sacramento Kings in their 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19, 2024 as forward Naji Marshall grabs a steal and takes the ball all the way to the rim for the breakaway dunk.

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Naji Marshall steals, takes it the distance for dunk | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Highlights 4/19/24

Play-In highlights from New Orleans vs. the Sacramento Kings in their 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19, 2024 as forward Naji Marshall throws down the dunk.

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Naji Marshall throws down the jam | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Highlights 4/19/24

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings NBA Western Conference Play-In Tournament postgame interviews with head coach Willie Green after the Pelicans' 105-98 win over the Kings on Friday, April 19 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Willie Green recaps win over Sacramento | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Postgame 4/19/2024

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Pelicans 105, Kings 98: Brandon Ingram 24 points | Play-in postgame wrap

#2, March 8, New Orleans 103, Philadelphia 95

One of the best offensive performances of his career featured near-perfection shooting-wise, at 7/8 from the field and 4/4 on threes. He tacked on a free throw to record a season-high 19 points. The Pelicans were plus-23 with him on the court, but minus-15 without him.

Forward Naji Marshall scored 19 points making 7-of-8 (.875) field goal attempts during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, March 8 in Wells Fargo Center.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Naji Marshall with 19 Points vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans postgame interview with forward Brandon Ingram following their game on Friday, March 8 at 6 p.m. CT during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Brandon Ingram talks road record, Naji Marshall | Pelicans at 76ers Postgame 3/8/24

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green spoke to the team in the locker room following the win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, March 8, 2024.

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Willie Green's postgame locker room speech | Pelicans at 76ers 3/8/24

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 103, 76ers 95

In just his second game played of the season, Marshall helped the Pelicans bounce back from a one-sided defeat vs. the Mavericks two days earlier. He supplied 16 points on 5/9 shooting, including a banked-in three-pointer from beyond halfcourt, as New Orleans improved to 1-1 in In-Season Tournament pool play.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall scores 16 points in the team's In-Season Tournament win against the Dallas Mavericks.

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Highlights: Naji Marshall adds 16 Points vs. Dallas Mavericks 11/14/23

New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall sinks the deep buzzer beater to end the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks.

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Naji Marshall BUZZER-BEATER to end 1Q | Pelicans-Mavericks Highlights 11/14/23

New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego talks to the team postgame in the Pelicans locker room after their In-Season Tournament win against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Inside the Pelicans locker room postgame after win vs. Dallas Mavericks 11/14/2023

Naji Marshall’s player participation report