Frank Bartley IV Making A Positive Impact For Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans reserve guard is making a positive impact to keep the team winning during the Summer League.

Frank Bartley IV received the call a little over two weeks ago to join Pelicans' Summer League roster. The Baton Rouge native has a well-documented journey. He has been traveling and playing basketball internationally since his time at Christian Life Academy High School in Quincy, Illinois. He signed with Brigham Young University and eventually played for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Today, Bartley could be considered an elder statesman on a youthful squad.

Before the Suns game, Bartley averaged 13.2 minutes of playing time and scored 8 points.  On Tuesday, he contributed to the 82-73 win with 10 points, four rebounds, three rebounds, and two assists.  The guard was 4-of-5 (80%) from the field, while 2-of-3 (66.6%) of those shots were from three-point range.

July 12, 2023; Pelicans guard Frank Bartley IV being interviews by the media after defeating the Phoenix Suns 82-73 at the 2K24 NBA Summer League.  Credit: New Orleans Pelicans

"Just make plays. Just make an impact and trying to win a game.  Doing what I can in the little minutes that I have," Bartley said.  

ESPN's Doris Burke noticed Bartley's veteran presence on the floor during calling the game.  For most players like Frank Bartley IV, the Summer League is an audition and job interview for the Pelicans or another NBA franchise.   The veteran knows teams will scrutinize and evaluate every aspect of his performance.  So making his mark with limited time is crucial for his future opportunities.

"Doing the little things.  I mean, overseas, I'm known as a scorer.  But I want to show that I can do more than just score the ball.  So if I have to get stops, defend, get steals, take charges, lead from the sidelines, rebound a ball as a guard, just make a positive impact while I'm in the game," Bartley remarked.

As of now, the New Orleans team has won 2 out of 3 games in the NBA Summer League.  Bartley noted why the Pelicans are playing better than in Game 1's loss.  "I'm really getting comfortable.  We're getting comfortable as a team, as a unit.  We're playing defense a lot more aggressive.  We're getting stops.  And I mean, that's why we're winning games now."  

Before having a chance to enter the Summer League Knockout Round Tournament, New Orleans will play its final scheduled game against Charlotte on Thursday at 6:30 PM CT inside Cox Pavilion.