These are three questions that the New Orleans Pelicans need answered by guard Bennedict Mathurin this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans didn't bring in much new talent this offseason, so they will be relying on the players that they did add for even more. The most notable was former Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin signed a two-year, $16 million deal with a player option for the second season. It's a bit of a "prove-it" contract for someone who surely wants to sign a big-money deal soon. It could be the Pelicans that end up giving it to him; they have some contracts freeing up next year, but there are some things they are going to want to see from him this year.
The 24-year-old posted 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 43.0/31.5/86.9 shooting splits last season. Here are some questions that this team will be looking for him to answer as he follows that up:
Is he a long-term fit?
At 24 years old, he is sort of the perfect age for where this team is at. There has been a lot of talk of two timelines for the Saints, and Mathurin is right in the middle of both. He is two years younger than Trey Murphy and two years younger than Derik Queen. That means he could be awarded a long-term deal no matter what New Orleans decides to do this offseason. He is clearly someone that this front office likes, so now it will be about winning over the coaches.
Is there more to unlock on defense?
One way he can start earning the favor of Jamahl Mosley and this staff is increased effort on defense. Mathurin is a fantastic athlete with a plus wingspan. He should have the tools to be an excellent defender. So far in his career, though, he has mostly been average.
The minutes that will be going to Mathurin are likely the ones occupied mostly by Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins last year. They should be getting a baseline boost on defense there anyway, at least. Mathurin is a solid rebounder, as well.
Which version of last year's three-point shooting was real?
Mathurin ended up shooting 31.5% from three last year, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Before getting traded, he shot 37.2% on 5.6 shots per game over 28 appearances. That would put him on pace for a career-best. After joining the Clippers, though, that dropped to 20.7% on 3.2 attempts.
Over his career, Mathurin has had flashes but not consistency. If he can return to his early form from last year, this team would be over the moon with joy.
