The New Orleans Pelicans' starting lineups have been so-so through two preseason games, but the second unit and fringe second unit players have stood out. Specifically, Trendon Watford, Bryce McGowens, and Karlo Matkovic have popped to me as players who could really help this group win games this season. What has made these three stand out is that they simply play with the flow of the game and try to contribute wherever they see fit.
I wrote a lot about how the Pelicans roster is full of on-ball players who are at their best when they are heavily featured and get to create for themselves. I’ve also touched on how meh this team is from a defensive skill level. All three of these guys are the opposite.
They are all plug-and-play type of pieces that can make open shots, finish plays, defend their position, rebound, pass, dribble, and more often than not just make the right read. I understand that from a general talent standpoint New Orleans may have more talented players than these three, but talent doesn’t always outweigh fit.
These three need permanent roles
As someone who loves evaluating incoming talent to the NBA, something I always love to do when scouting is watching a game where the player's box score isn’t too friendly. That way, I can see what life looks like when their shot isn’t falling, or they’re turning it over a ton, and whether they look for other ways to impact the game. Both McGowens and Watford passed that test on Thursday night.
McGowens had one point and was 0-of-5 from the field in the game, but had his fingerprints all over this game.
The rest of his box score read as seven assists, three rebounds, and three steals. With Jeremiah Fears starting and Dejounte Murray out, the Pelicans needed someone to drive the offense and set others up, and McGowens stepped right up. He drove and kicked, made dump-off passes to his bigs, and made the extra pass all game.
He isn't necessarily going to play every night, but he has a well-rounded enough skill set to fit what every team needs, and that holds a ton of value.
Watford had a similar impact, finishing with two points on 1-of-5 shooting but making his presence felt on the glass, pulling in seven boards to go along with two assists. Whether it was closing out possessions defensively or creating second scoring chances, he hit the glass on Thursday. He didn’t force shots or disrupt the team's flow offensively. Instead, he simply found an area the Pelicans were struggling in and stepped up.
Matkovic wasn’t in the same boat with an ugly box score, but his impact and ability to check so many boxes make him a necessity for the Pelicans' regular-season second unit. I’d even argue he’s making a strong case to start games because he can stretch the floor while being a positive rim protector and lob threat. He finished the game with nine points, three rebounds, and 4-of-7 shooting from the field.
Not many players on the Pelicans' depth chart can play off the ball, fill whatever role is needed, hit outside shots and remain steady defensively. Watford, Matkovic, and McGowens have those traits and could be really important role players for this team this season if they’re given the chance to be.
Add us as a preferred source on Google