Pelicans fall to 0-3 in Summer League despite Matkovic's big game

The Pelicans Summer League squad fell to 0-3 Tuesday, losing to San Antonio 90-85. Despite a career-defining game from recently signed Croatian center Karlo Matkovic, New Orleans fell just short off their first Summer League win once again. Pelicans starters struggled, with no player scoring more than eight points. However, Matkovic's performance was one of a few bright spots in a rather disappointing final result. Below, we discuss key takeaways and concerns moving forward.

Do the Pelicans already have their answer at center?

Not Yves Missi, but Karlo Matkovic. The assumption heading into Summer League was Yves Missi would assert himself as a key rotational piece for New Orleans, potentially as the team's starting center. Unfortunately, Missi has struggled to find a rhythm through three games of Summer League play. However, Missi's struggles have been countered with the excellence of the Pelicans 2022 draft pick Karlo Matkovic. The Croatian second-rounder played his best game as a Pelican on Tuesday.

Matkovic shot a flawless 11-of-13 from the field, converting on 2-of-3 three pointers and 1-of-2 free throws. Matkovic's defense stood out once again, adding one steal and three blocks. Unfortunately, Matkovic fouled out, and the Pelicans fell short in defeat. When the Pelicans drafted Missi in the first round this offseason, the expectation of him taking over the frontcourt was clear. With a few poor performances, and an emerging presence (and competition) in Matkovic, the Pelicans found a gem.

While Matkovic may be the primary storyline of the game, the concerns around Missi and consistently being outplayed by Matkovic has garnered attention. But, Missi isn't the only promising, young Pelican struggling thus far in the preseason.

Is Jordan Hawkins inefficient a concern to monitor?

Jordan Hawkins, a second-year guard from UConn, has been the Pelicans primary scoring option throughout the preseason. However, Hawkins has been sporadic in all three Summer League games, with inefficient shooting in each game. Versus San Antonio, Hawkins shot just 2-of-8, missing all four of his three point attempts and three of his six free throw attempts. Scoring just seven points, Hawkins was a 'no-show' offensively. Hawkins wasn't any better in the previous two games, either.

In game one, Hawkins shot 6-of-21 (29 percent), converting 2-of-8 three pointers and all four free throws. While the sharpshooter scored 18 points, he did so in a losing effort. A similar performance occurred in game two, when he shot 6-of-18 (33 percent), 2-of-6 from three, and 10-of-11 from the free throw line versus Orlando. Hawkins added eight turnovers to his 24 points, with many negatives outweighing the positives.

Despite the shooting woes, Hawkins' role with the Pelicans doesn't consist of nearly as many shots, playmaking, or usage. Playing next to the Pelicans core of Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson, Hawkins will generate open looks behind the arc for an offense in dire need of shooting. While the stretch of play in Summer League has been startling for Hawkins, New Orleans hasn't lost any faith in its young guard.

New Orleans is back in action Thursday, July 18, playing one of the Summer League's best teams in Memphis. Set to take place at 5:00 p.m. on NBATV, New Orleans will have at least one more game after the conclusion of Thursday's game, which is still 'to be determined'.