It seems like the New Orleans Pelicans can’t get away from the Chicago Bulls right now.
Now only did the two teams orchestrate a sign-and-trade for Lonzo Ball that has now become complicated by an ongoing tampering investigation, but they will face off in the first game of the Summer League.
The Pelicans have had some huge Summer League debuts, most notably two years ago, when Zion Williamson abused Kevin Knox and immortalized him in a poster dunk.
This year won’t be nearly as colorful, as the Pelicans are mostly running with guys fans have never heard of before and there certainly won’t be the type of hype and excitement there was when Zion stepped on the floor in Vegas.
But there are some interesting things to watch for, especially since they are playing the Bulls, who are currently trying to fleece the Pels in a deal for Lauri Markkanen.
Even though it doesn’t matter, I am hoping the Pels stomp the Bulls, as quite frankly, I’m sick of them already.
Here are three things to watch.
New Orleans Pelicans: The development of Kira Lewis Jr.
Kira Lewis Jr. actually had a very good rookie season for the Pelicans that went largely unnoticed.
He played bigger minutes than planned due to injury and didn’t embarrass himself even though he was usually the youngest player on the court.
Last season, Lewis Jr. didn’t have the benefit of much of an offseason, training camp, Summer League or G-League, so he missed out on some developmental chances but got to play meaningful minutes with the team.
With a full offseason training schedule, I expect Kira Lewis Jr. to make a big leap, starting with the first Summer League game. Lewis Jr. is one of the “veterans” on the team, so he needs to run the offensive effectively and not turn the ball over, as he did as a reserve last season.
But I also want to see him be aggressive on offense, to use his elite speed and quickness to get into the lane and show he can finish once he does.
I expect to see a stronger and even faster Kira Lewis Jr. and it would be great if he could come out and show it off in the first game vs. the Bulls, who are likely to be a rival of the Pelicans moving forward because of the Lonzo Ball saga.
New Orleans Pelicans: Can Didi Louzada, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III bring defense on the wing?
The Pelicans have spent most of the offseason so far trying to add athletic wings who can shoot the 3-point shot and defend.
They have three of them on the Summer League squad in Didi Louzada, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III.
Louzada may be ready to contribute right away after playing professionally in Australia and Trey Murphy III is tailor-made to thrive in New Orleans.
I really love what Herb Jones brings to the table as well, as he is a very good defender who could make an impact right away off the Pelicans’ bench.
I hope to see these three smothering opponents on the wing, using their length to defend multiple positions, which is exactly what the Pels need around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Did the Pelicans do enough to improve their porous wing defense? We’ll get our first glimpse today.
New Orleans Pelicans: Is there a Summer League surprise?
The Pelicans’ Summer League roster is not filled with well-known names, as even their first-round draft pick was not a guy who had a ton of buzz coming out of college.
I write about the Pels for a living and I don’t know who half of these guys are, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a surprise.
Just about every year there is a guy on the Summer League roster who comes out of nowhere and impresses.
Naji Marshall has already shown he can make an impact, but it would be great to see him find a new level in Summer League.
Jose Alvarado has already secured a two-way contract with the Pelicans, but can the point guard from Georgia Tech actually make the rotation?
Summer League is the best chance for some of these players and I hope one of them steps up and seizes a role for the Pelicans.
It’s Summer League, so there is no reason to overreact, but it will be fun to have basketball again after what seems to be the longest offseason in history.