Pelicans: 3 things to watch in Summer League matchup vs. Thunder
The New Orleans Pelicans started NBA Summer League with an impressive win over the Chicago Bulls.
Summer League games shouldn’t be taken too seriously, as half of the guys playing won’t even be in the league, but it was nice to see the Pels’ youngsters playing well.
The Pelicans will take on the OKC Thunder in game two, a team whose Summer League roster isn’t much different from their regular season roster, as they are loaded with young players and intriguing talent.
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The Pels would love to get another win and keep developing chemistry between their young guys and it will be a good test against some top young talent.
Here are three things to look for.
New Orleans Pelicans: Is Trey Murphy III for real?
Ok, so we won’t really be able to answer this question until we see Trey Murphy III play in the regular season, but for now, all signs are pointing to a resounding yes.
Murphy III was easily the best player on the floor against the Bulls, racking up 26 points on 6-of-9 shooting from behind the arc and adding nine rebounds in a very good all-around game.
He has the length to be a plus defender on the perimeter and he has dedicated himself on that end, so the Pels might have found one of the steals of the draft in 3M3.
One of the Pels’ biggest offseason needs was a player who could both shoot and defend on the wing, and so far, Murphy III looks like that guy.
I am excited to watch him try to build on his impressive performance in the win over the Bulls.