A training camp preview for New Orleans Pelicans guard Bennedict Mathurin.
The New Orleans Pelicans kick off training camp in under a month, which means it is time to start preparations for the season. As the roster comes into shape, it's important to take stock of where everyone is heading into camp.
After a year of manifestation, the Pelicans were able to sign former Indiana Pacers/Los Angeles Clippers wing Bennedict Mathurin. They got him at a great price: two years, $16 million (player option in year two).
State Of His Career
The fact that it took him until August to sign for $8 million a year should be enough of a clue. He is a former No. 6 overall pick searching for his next long-term home. He looked good overall for the Clippers after they traded for him, though he went ice-cold from three.
The 24-year-old has landed somewhere that clearly covets him. They are enamored with the physical tools he brings, which is typical of a Troy Weaver player. If Mathurin meshes well with the younger players, he could be in line for a much bigger deal from New Orleans next year when a little bit of money opens up from Jordan Poole's expiring contract.
One Area Where He Must Grow
Mathurin is 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. The fact that he isn't an elite defensive player almost feels like malpractice. There are more things that going into being a defender, but that's where the coaching staff comes in.
Last year, the wing did actually squeak out a positive defensive on/off metric, but that's not every season. If he could become more of a defensive tool while staying explosive at the rim, he could easily become the team's next starting two/three.
Best-Case Scenario For Training Camp
The actual Opening Day lineup is a ways away from being locked in. This is this coaching staff's first time with this roster. While there are assumed roles, nothing is set in stone.
The current most-likely outcome would be him coming off the bench for Herbert Jones, acting as an offensive spark plug. The Pelicans could have a bench unit of Mathurin, Saddiq Bey, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Those are a lot of mouths to feed in minimal minutes.
It's not out of the realm of possibility that Mathurin does enough to earn a starting spot and a bigger role, especially with his assumed reputation with the front office. New Orleans needs to improve their defense, but they also need to score more points.
