The losses keep piling the Pelicans Summer League. The Memphis Grizzlies handed the Pelicans an 88-77 defeat Thursday. Karlo Matkovic played just three minutes in the loss, and the Pelicans missed his presence. Yves Missi had some remarkable defensive highlights, and Jordan Ford continued his Summer League excellence in the win. While New Orleans isn't winning, they are putting together good performances, both as a team and individual performances. Below, we recap this defeat.
Missi's defense will be a factor for New Orleans this upcoming season
Pelicans first-round pick Yves Missi hasn't had a great Summer League offensively. Lackluster single-digit scoring outputs clouded his performances over the last week, but one thing has remained a sturdy presence for the big man: His defense. For a New Orleans team with Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones on the perimeter, the Pelicans could be one of the league's better defensive units. In the past, they lacked a consistent defensive rim presence. However, Missi appears to be the resolution.
Missi added three more blocks to his stat sheet Thursday, one of which included an athletic, highlight chase-down block. Missi's defense has created offense throughout the Summer League, and that trend will likely continue in the regular season, playing next to Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Co. A case could be made this was by far Missi's best game of the Summer League, making 5-of-8 shots for 11 points as well in Karlo Matkovic's absence.
Missi got a chance to speak about his performance post-game, mentioning his training camp plans and defensive mentality, which gives New Orleans insight into the kind of player the Pelicans are bringing into their organization. With just 77 points, the Pelicans offense fell short again, but not because of Jordan Ford. Ford's excellence in last season's Summer League earned him a roster spot with the Sacramento Kings. Could the same be happening with Ford and the Pelicans?
Does Jordan Ford deserve a roster spot in New Orleans?
Out of all the Pelicans this Summer League, Karlo Matkovic, and Jordan Ford have by far and away been the two most consistent producers for New Orleans. Inserted into the starting lineup on Thursday, Ford shined with 16 points after having 19 on the bench Thursday, a game he shot 8-of-10 in. Ford's worst game was his first, scoring just seven points versus Minnesota.
With each game, Ford has gained confidence and comfortability playing. Alongside Antonio Reeves and Jordan Hawkins in the backcourt, Ford has had his fair share of moments, outshining the more notable guards throughout the Summer League. However, Sacramento signed Ford last Summer League due to a need for backup guard depth, which the Pelicans have plenty of.
The Pelicans could certainly use Ford's shooting in case of need, but it feels inevitable Ford will be elsewhere next season, either as an 'end of roster' filler or on a two-way contract, playing primarily in the G League unless injuries arise. Ford has worked tremendously hard each of the last two Summer Leagues, even earning himself a contract last season. However, this season is a new season. Even though Ford may very well deserve a roster spot, it won't be in New Orleans.
The Pelicans will take the court against Denver Saturday at 9:00 p.m. EST, in a consolation game to potentially wrap up their Summer League season. New Orleans could collect their first win against a struggling 1-3 Denver team. It's been a Summer League of trials and tribulations for Pelicans' youngsters, but the future is still bright in New Orleans.