Jordan Hawkins A Bright Spot For Pelicans In First Career Start
New Orleans, LA - Jordan Hawkins knew just 45 minutes before tip-off that he would get his first start in the NBA for the New Orleans Pelicans. He didn't have time to text family or friends about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hawkins replaced Brandon Ingram in the starting lineup, who missed the game with right knee soreness.
To add more drama to the event, the rookie was going against his idol and unquestioned best shooter of all time, Steph Curry. When asked postgame how it was competing against Steph, Hawkins couldn't hold back a smile, "It was cool. I didn't want to fanboy or anything, but I watched him warm up and everything. Those are things you have to cherish."
Hawkins certainly didn't appear star-struck during the game. The rookie made his first two shots and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 35 minutes. He also had the opportunity to guard Curry some of the night as Herb Jones picked up two fouls in the first five minutes of the game.
While Hawkins wasn't successful in stopping Curry, no one was Monday night, the rookie is looking for constant improvement on that side of the ball. "I try to hold my own on the defensive end. I take the initiative to guard better guys if I get switched on them or if Herb's not guarding them," Hawkins told reporters.
"To be honest, I want to be that second-line guy that can be a reliable defender behind Herb............ I always talk to him (Herb) about the defensive stuff."
That mindset to be a complete player is why Coach Willie Green thinks the rookie has a bright future in this league. Hawkins was drafted to fill a need the Pelicans had for three-point shooting. During his sophomore year at UConn, he made 109 three-pointers which is second all-time in school history behind Ray Allen. Coming out of college, Hawkins was considered the best pure shooter in the draft.
Now, he wants to consider himself an all-around basketball player. Monday's performance can go a long way to building confidence toward competing that way on a nightly basis. "I know I had to make everything as an opportunity," Hawkins told reporters. "I just played the best I could and played my heart out."
