New Orleans Pelicans: 3 positive takeaways from first preseason game

New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker is ready to make a leap

I thought Nickeil Alexander-Walker was impressive in his preseason debut. He looked stronger and more confident with the ball, scoring 22 points in just over 20 minutes of play.

He also had three assists, a couple of steals and a block and most importantly, only one turnover. He made good decisions with the ball, illustrated by two plays just after he came into the game in the first half.

NAW had the ball on the break twice, the first time he took it all the way to the rim on the baseline, but seeing two defenders, kicked it out to Josh Hart for the open corner three.

A few plays later, he accelerated on the secondary break and beat the interior defenders down the court and was able to take it all the way to the rim and finish, drawing a foul along the way.

Alexander-Walker played faster but was more under control than he has been in the past. He looked comfortable playing on and off the ball and looks primed to have a breakout season.

I don’t want to make too much of one preseason game, but if NAW makes good decisions and plays efficiently, he is going to have a huge season.