Riser: Karlo Matkovic
A 2022 second-round pick, Matkovic flew under the radar with his Summer League performance. In his four games, he was fourth in team scoring and rebounding, averaging just under 11 points and just over four rebounds per game. He was third on the team in assists per game (2.0), first in blocks per game (1.8), and third in steals per game (1.0). Arguably the team's best player throughout the Summer League, Matkovic likely earned significant playing time in the Pelicans' frontcourt.
Matkovic's rim protection, efficiency (65 percent shooting), and potential floor spacing (29 percent from three and 88 percent on free throws) are all needs for a Pelicans team hoping to build around forward Zion Williamson, who's more of a non-shooter. One of Williamson's backcourt counterparts, Dejounte Murray, also tends to aggressively get downhill as a slasher, finisher, and playmaker. With the need for defense and shooting, Matkovic's skillset could be a major player off the bench.