Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans Summer League Grades

By Christopher Dodson

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 24: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies defends against the Liberty Flames in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Photos via Getty Imagess via Getty Images Men's Basketball Tournament held at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Imagess via Getty Images Photos via Getty Images via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 24: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies defends against the Liberty Flames in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Photos via Getty Imagess via Getty Images Men's Basketball Tournament held at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Imagess via Getty Images Photos via Getty Images via Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans’ first game against the New York Knicks had the Thomas and Mack Center packed with fans. Zion Williamson was the main attraction, but he was not the Pelicans leading man in Las Vegas.

The New Orleans Pelicans regular-season roster is basically set for wing depth. Still, David Griffin brought in several players for what amounted to G-League trials. Zylan Cheatham and Aubrey Dawkins were given chances but did little to stand out from the crowd of undrafted summer signings.

Zion Williamson played nine minutes and scored 11 points. They were the most anticipated nine minutes in Las Vegas on July Fourth Weekend. He grabbed three rebounds but dished no assists.

Zion is already one of the world’s greatest dunkers. He has to work on his cardio and a few other skills before he reaches his All-Star potential. The Pelicans were -15 during his time on the court. Zion Williamson SUMMER GRADE: B-

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Kenrich Williams averaged 9.8 points in 28 minutes per game, playing in five games. Williams connected on 22 of 54 shots while grabbing ten boards per game. He led the team in minutes (32) against New York, but also had six fouls.

Williams grabbed 13 rebounds in 21 minutes against Chicago, earning his Kenny Hustle moniker.

Kenrich Williams SUMMER GRADE: C

Zylan Cheatham featured in all six games, averaging 20 minutes per contest. He accounted for just under six points (5.8) and just over six rebounds (6.5) per game. He played a balance and effective shift every time he touched the court.

Cheatham was pressing the issue at times during possessions then hesitant to take a shot the next time down the court. He did not shoot many three-pointers in college, and those habits carried over to Las Vegas. Zylan Cheatham SUMMER GRADE: C-

Javon Bess played in five games and yet only hit one shot. He was timid in an otherwise chucker friendly Summer League environment, taking only nine shots in Las Vegas. He did not even manage double-digit assists in the NBA’s summer session. He did grab three steals and five rounds against the Knicks. Javon Bess SUMMER GRADE: D

Aubrey Dawkins was never in Las Vegas to try and take over the point guard duties. Dawkins needed to show he could play competent defense and run off the ball offense. He was to try and copy either Jrue Holiday or JJ Redick, depending on the lineup. Aubrey Dawkins SUMMER GRADE: D

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