NBA training camp and preseason games are approaching faster than ever and will be filled with different opportunities for members of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pels still have one open roster spot, and it's starting to look like they'll be bringing in multiple players on Exhibit 9 or 10 contracts to compete with Jaden Springer for the final roster spot.
Camp is going to be full of opportunities for these players to prove themselves and establish their place on the Pelicans roster.
Heading into camp, one member of the Pelicans has a clear advantage because of some of the Pelicans' health concerns. That player is Karlo Matković.
Following the NBA draft and free agency, it was very clear that Matković's spot on the team was in jeopardy, as Joe Dumars decided to bring in two big men in Derik Queen and Kevon Looney. However, with the reports coming out after the Summer League that Derik Queen suffered a wrist injury and would be sidelined for 3 months, a door swung wide open for Matković.
Matković has a golden ticket that he must cash
Last season, he had a ton of opportunities due to the overwhelming amount of off-court problems and injuries the Pelicans faced. And in all honesty, he did a great job making the most of those opportunities, posting averages of 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. Matković has shown that when his number is called, he can step up, but I'm wondering if, rather than just stepping up, he can take the next step.
The Pelicans had drafted Queen so they could add some playmaking and guard skills to their front court, and while Matković isn't nearly the creator Queen is, he has shown flashes.
His average of just one assist per game doesn't scream great playmaker. He was never asked to be a playmaker last season. Matković has the skill to be a solid passing big, and definitely has the basketball IQ to do so as well.
During his seven starts for the Pelicans last season, we also saw how good a shooter Matković could be if his usage goes up. During these starts in which he played an average of 28 minutes per game, he shot 38.1% from three on 3.0 attempts per game.
With Queen not set for reevaluation till Friday, October 10th, Matković now has a chance to establish himself as a staple in the Pelicans' big rotation. His unique skillset as a passer and floor spacer at 6'10" could make things hard for Queen when he returns.