Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Best Case Scenario Comps for the Under-25’s

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Frank Jackson #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Frank Jackson #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans
Nickeil Alexander-Walker #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans’ Player Comparisons: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

NAW is the next…Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

This one was the easiest, as the best case scenario for Nickeil Alexander-Walker is that he turns out to be his cousin, Shai Gilgious-Alexander of the OKC Thunder.

NAW is slightly younger and and is one year behind SGA, who is in his second season.

SGA has already evolved into one of the best two-way guards in the league, and averages 19 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists as one of the centerpieces of OKC.

SGA had a strong argument for Most Improved Player after raising his scoring average by nine points from his rookie season.

Could NAW make a similar leap? We’ve seen flashes of it, as he had some great Summer League and pre-season games, and even had some nice moments in the bubble.

For NAW to get to where his cousin is, he needs drastic improvements in his shooting and ball handling. NAW averages about as many turnovers per game as his cousin, and Shai plays 34 minutes a game to NAW’s 12.

So far, Shai is the much better cousin, but NAW does have better size and strength and could eventually get there or be even better.

If NAW ends up being as good as his cousin, the Pelicans will be happy, and could have one of the best second unit backcourts in the league.

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