3 Pelicans that earned untouchable status, 3 that should be cut loose
By Tyler Watts
New Orleans Pelicans that should be cut loose: 2. Kira Lewis Jr.
Young players are supposed to see their minutes and production increase. A lot of teenagers are not NBA-ready when they are drafted, but they eventually acclimate and develop over time.
Kira Lewis Jr. was the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and he played 16.7 minutes per game as a rookie over 54 contests. His playing time decreased to 14.2 minutes per game in year two and down to 9.4 a night this season. Lewis Jr. played in just 25 games, and it was often in blowouts.
The 6’1 point guard is only 22 years old, but his minutes and production continue to decline. Lewis Jr. even played two games in the G League this season, but even there, he failed to dominate. He made just nine of his 27 field goals and averaged just 13.0 points and 5.5 assists per game during those two contests. It was not what the Pelicans were hoping for from the developing point guard.
Injuries have played a factor. Lewis tore his ACL in Dec. 2021, and he missed a full year. The 22-year-old returned in December, and he was still not part of the rotation at the end of the season.
It is time for the New Orleans Pelicans to move on Lewis. A fresh start is best for both sides, and it could happen this offseason.