LAS VEGAS — The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 81-74 on Friday in their first game of Las Vegas Summer League.
Here are three observations from the game.
Hawkins at lead guard
During the Pelicans’ Summer League training camp in Las Vegas, Jalen Crutcher rolled his ankle. This was significant because the Pelicans were already thin at lead guard.
Crutcher’s absence forced Jordan Hawkins to take on more responsibility as a ballhandler. Hawkins had some strong moments — he made a 3 on the team’s first possession of the game — but overall, New Orleans struggled to score Friday.
At halftime, the Pelicans had produced 40 points on 29.5% shooting. Hawkins, who was 3 of 10 from the field at the break, was New Orleans’ only player who could consistently create his own shot.
In the second half, Hawkins’ frustration bubbled over. He picked up a technical foul after not getting a foul call he wanted in the third quarter. Hawkins finished with 18 points on 6-of-21 shooting and three assists.
Center spot
Yves Missi, the Pelicans' pick at No. 21 in last month’s draft, got the start at center Friday. The Cameroonian big man started playing basketball at 16 years old.
While his inexperience was apparent, Missi is also clearly blessed with athletic gifts. There were moments in Friday's game when he moved well in space and felt comfortable enough to attack the rim off the dribble. Missi notched six points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes.
Karlo Matkovic, a second-round pick in 2022, got the backup minutes at center. Matkovic scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds in 21 minutes. He hoisted a pair of 3s but missed both.
With one minute left, Matkovic committed a turnover. He recovered to block the Timberwolves' transition layup attempt. He then scored on a putback dunk.
Matkovic is expected to get one of the Pelicans' open standard roster spots, league sources told The Times-Picayune.
Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin said during the in-game broadcast that the Pelicans are comfortable going into the season with the centers they have under contract.
"I know everybody thinks we have to invest in the center position a little bit," Griffin said. "We actually are really excited about what we have now. We are excited to play small and fast."
The Pelicans signed veteran Daniel Theis to a one-year contract earlier this week. Missi, Matkovic and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are their other options at center.
Regulars show support
During his introductory news conference this week, Dejounte Murray said he would be in Las Vegas to support his new teammates.
Murray kept that promise. He was one of several Pelicans players who were seated courtside at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Robinson-Earl and Matt Ryan were also in attendance. In the second half, CJ McCollum joined them. McCollum and Murray spent a few minutes talking.
CJ and Dejounte pic.twitter.com/wThh6O8PBk
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) July 12, 2024