The New Orleans Pelicans will kick off their Summer League today against the Chicago Bulls, a team that is rapidly turning into a rival.
The Pels and Bulls have been tangled this offseason in a sign-and-trade for Lonzo Ball that has become messy because of an ongoing tampering investigation.
On top of that, the Bulls are trying to rob the Pelicans in a deal for Lauri Markkanen, so that, and their addition of Ball will make their games interesting this season.
This Summer League team won’t be as star-studded as some from the past, especially two years ago when Zion Williamson made his debut and promptly made a highlight out of Kevin Knox.
Summer League is often the time when dreams come true or get squashed, and I look forward to seeing some of the young Pels try to make their mark, specifically Kira Lewis Jr., Naji Marshall and Didi Louzada.
Here is all the information you need.
How to watch/stream the New Orleans Pelicans Summer League debut
Date: Monday August 9
Time: 3 PM ET
Where to watch: ESPN 2
How to stream: WatchESPN or Fubo.TV
The Summer League debut will tip off at 2:00 PM New Orleans time, so die hards who are at work will have to watch it on the sly.
This will be the first glimpse Pels’ fans will get of rookies Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, who could both come onto the Pels and make an immediate impact as long 3-and-D wings, which is precisely what the Pels needed.
We’ll also get to see the progression of Kira Lewis Jr. and Didi Louzada, who could both be impact players for the Pelicans this season.
While Summer League is often the time of overreactions and terrible hot takes, it will be nice to see some basketball and to sweep this dramatic offseason under the rug for a few hours.