The New Orleans Pelicans improve to 2-1 in Summer League after Sunday's 81-75 win over the Phoenix Suns.
The New Orleans Pelicans are now 2-1 in this year's NBA Summer League after Sunday's 81-75 win over the Phoenix Suns. It was mostly the same group of standouts who led to the win.
It was second-round pick Jaron Pierre Jr.'s 24th birthday, and it led to his best game of the short Summer League stint. By no surprise, it was also his first time getting the start. He finished with 16 points and three rebounds.
Pierre hasn't been perfect in the preseason, but he's showing that he is the same player in college which is why he was drafted. He might not be the most efficient right now, but he can fly high to attack the rim and has showcased great range. The tools are there to be a very fun player, he just needs to be developed.
Even entering Summer League, it was hard to imagine him making the Opening Night roster. Instead he'll likely take up one of the two-way spots still available. Him starting the year on the Laketown Squadron is probably best for all parties.
Another leading candidate for a two-way spot is Malik Dia, who also had his best game. Dia led the team with 17 points, picking up eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals. He does everything that the coaching staff has asked of the players. It's a good sign that Dia isn't afraid to shoot the three-ball, because that was his weakest area in college. He's at least working on his shot.
Fans have also been watching Kobe Bufkin closely. While he is definitely a two-way candidate, it wouldn't be surprising to see another team around the league pick him up to be a backup guard. The Pelicans just don't have the space on the roster, but it would be more understandable if they were to move on from either Jordan Poole or Jordan Hawkins.
Bufkin is still just 22 years old and was a former first-round pick. He picked up 15 points in this game and has been a bit of a streaky shooter. He's doing the right things to earn a spot somewhere, though. He'll still be riding high from his 30-point performance to open Summer League.
Markquis Nowell went 2-for-4 from three and picked up four more steals. He's a fun guard to watch, but will always be a questionable add at 5-foot-7. New Orleans knows how good small, active guards can be off the bench, though, thanks to Jose Alvarado.
The Pelicans have what could be their final game of the Summer League schedule on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
