New Orleans Pelicans Bubble Awards: Most Improved Player

The New Orleans Pelicans Most Improved Player In the Bubble Goes To Frank Jackson.

As the New Orleans Pelicans entered the NBA’s Restart “bubble” down in Orlando, Florida there were numerous players that could’ve earned the label “Most Improved” after the team’s play.

With a roster loaded with young talent coming to play after what was a mini-offseason, a lot of Pelicans players received hype going in. Some people thought we’d see an even better Jaxson Hayes, others thought it might be time for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to steal the show.

Now with the New Orleans Pelicans time in Orlando officially over we can say that no player looked more improved on the roster than Frank Jackson.

Average fans of the New Orleans Pelicans might think this result is a little bit puzzling, but it’s time that the Pelicans fanbase respects that Frank Jackson might be turning into a valuable piece to this young core.

How Did Frank Jackson Improve?

Looking at how Frank Jackson improved, the biggest thing that stood out was his turn into a reliable point guard. It may not be as flashy as the potential we saw from other players on the roster, but it’s something every team needs to win.

For his time in the NBA bubble, Jackson averaged 12 points and 3 assists per game on 48% shooting. Those might not be massive superstar level leaps in statistics, but for a player only averaging six points and one assist before the bubble, it’s a big jump.

Jackson doubled his output in the bubble and preformed well during times when starting point guard Lonzo Ball looked lost.

Beyond box score numbers, we started seeing Frank Jackson turn into just a smart player and knockdown shooter. At times Jackson led the New Orleans Pelicans second unit, which is something we never said during the regular season.

Sometimes that leadership came from being a player who makes the smart pass and understands where to be on the court, while other times it came from being a shotmaker.

With multiple double-digit scoring efforts and a reliable jumper from beyond the arc, Jackson showed that when needed he can be the bench scorer that the New Orleans Pelicans spent most of the season searching for.

What Could It Mean For The New Orleans Pelicans Going Forward?

Frank Jackson’s performance for the New Orleans Pelicans in the bubble means that he should get serious consideration to be a part of the team’s long term plans.

Countless times now in the NBA we’ve seen teams win titles and lose titles because of the play of bench units. Having Frank Jackson as a low-cost back-up point guard would be smart for team building.

Jackson might not be a super-sixth man but he can be the team’s long term backup to Ball. With the Pelicans holding Jackson’s rights they can sign him to a long-term contract for not a lot of money, which will still give them flexibility going forward.

Frank Jackson’s play goes beyond just the New Orleans Pelicans salary cap though. The abilities Frank Jackson has shown in Orlando mean that he should be getting serious minutes as a rotation player going forward.

Too many times this season the New Orleans Pelicans used Jackson in garbage time rather than in meaningful parts of the game and that needs to change. Frank Jackson deserves to lead the team’s second unit unless the Pelicans add another point guard this offseason. After his play in the bubble, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in that increased role.