BayHawks vs. Ignite: 5 guys who might play for the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: We may see Will Magnay soon

We have previously written about how Will Magnay has looked so far in the G League. The Australian big man can stroke the ball from deep and protect the rim. On paper, that sounds like a player that New Orleans needs and someone that could complement Zion Williamson perfectly.

Magnay is currently on a two-way deal after migrating from the Australian NBL to the NBA in the United States. In 2020, he was named the Australian league’s Most Improved Player. Last year, he averaged eight points and six rebounds per game for the Brisbane Bullets.

The Pelicans’ second units have struggled all season long, especially their bigs. Although it seems like Stan Van Gundy has found a temporary remedy in Willy Hernangómez, the Pels still need to find their bigs of the future. Jaxson Hayes seems ensconced in that conversation for New Orleans’ front office, but Magnay could work his way there. He hasn’t played a single minute for the Pels.

Magnay has not followed the traditional pipeline for an NBA prospect. He left the Tulsa Golden Hurricane after a sole season in which he averaged less than four points to sign with the Brisbane Bullets. His NBL numbers were not eye popping either, but he was effective and reportedly garnered interest from the Dallas Mavericks or Golden State Warriors for instance.

The Aussie forward is just 22-years-old with his entire career on the horizon. Unfortunately, he didn’t suit up against the Ignite team but his season in the G League so far is still worth mentioning.

Magnay is also in the top five for true shooting percentage in the G League, as well as being one of its best passing bigs through his first few games. Magnay is someone worth checking on. Even if he doesn’t play much in the NBA this year, we might be able to watch him in the  Summer Olympics for the Australian Boomers. Magnay is in their Tokyo 2020 squad alongside the likes of Ben Simmons and Patty Mills.