Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans rookies are showing mixed bag through 7 games

By Willie Lutz

MADISON, NJ - AUGUST 11: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #0, Zion Williamson #1, and Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a portrait during the 2019 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 11, 2019 at the Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
MADISON, NJ - AUGUST 11: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #0, Zion Williamson #1, and Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a portrait during the 2019 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 11, 2019 at the Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 04: Didi Louzada of the Kings drives to the basket during the round five NBL match between Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings at Melbourne Arena on November 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 04: Didi Louzada of the Kings drives to the basket during the round five NBL match between Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings at Melbourne Arena on November 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images) /

Marcos “Didi” Louzada Siva won’t be on the New Orleans Pelicans until next season

When the New Orleans Pelicans used its second-round pick to select Didi Louzada from Brazil, not a lot of fans had heard the 20-year-old player’s name come up in big board conversations.

Not too many fans know that Louzada projects as an exciting NBA scorer when he makes his crack into the league, a risk Griffin was willing to take on a player who won’t affect winning and losing right out of the box.

Instead of having the raw talent in Louzada spend a year riding the bench or developing with the Erie Bay Hawks in the G-League, the team got creative, granting Louzada permission to prepare his craft overseas.

This has some wisdom, as increasing the level of competition paired with consistent minutes has allowed Louzada to expand his game across the world.

Playing well for the Sydney Kings in Australia and New Zealand’s NBL as a part of the league’s pipeline program, Louzada is averaging 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest. The expected spacing-and-scoring option shooting a less-than-exciting 32% from the field.

While Louzada might look imperfect as a prospect, allowing him the chance to play 24.8 minutes of professional basketball per night without the high-intensity of the NBA might yield great results when the prospect heads overseas.

The New Orleans Pelicans have to play the year-long waiting game for Louzada, but it should be beneficial for his development in the long run.

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