The New Orleans Pelicans have some exciting young talent other than superstar Zion Williamson.
Both Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker made some strides in their second seasons and hope to make even more with increased roles in year three.
Kira Lewis Jr. is following a similar trajectory, as the 20-year-old point guard had some nice moments for the Pelicans this season but also looked lost at times, like a guy who could have used some time in the G-League.
Lewis Jr. was not afforded that luxury in a COVID-shortened season with no real G-League to send him to, so instead he got his reps off the Pelicans’ bench.
There were plenty of positives, as Kira Lewis Jr. showed he can make plays and take care of the ball, logging the 8th-best assist to turnover ratio in the league.
But he also showed some massive flaws that he is going to have to fix if he wants to be an impact player in the NBA.
New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. must improve his shooting
The most obvious problem in Lewis Jr.’s game is that he shot the ball poorly in his rookie season. He shot just 39 percent overall and just 33 percent from 3-point range, numbers that aren’t going to cut it for a point guard in this era.
Many think the Pelicans missed an opportunity to grab a plus shooter in the last NBA Draft, so Lewis Jr. is going to need to pick it up to avoid these types of negative comparisons.
Lewis Jr. is lightning quick, there is no denying that, but so far he hasn’t been able to finish in the lane or shoot off the catch, two things the Pelicans are going to need from him.