Jordan Hawkins Highlights Improving Defensively In Game 2

New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Jordan Hawkins spoke with the media following his first professional game at the 2023 NBA Summer League.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Jordan Hawkins spoke with the media following his first professional game at the 2023 NBA Summer League.

Jordan Hawkins Stats - Game 1

• Points: 16; 6-of-15 for 40%
• 3-Point Shots: 3-of-10 for 30%
• Free Throws: 1-of 6 for 16.7%
• Assists: 3
• Rebounds: 2
• Steals: 2
• Turnovers: 4
• Fouls: 2

Hawkins wasn't afraid to shoot in Game 1, connecting 40% from the floor and 30% from beyond the arc. Although he was an exceptional free throw shooter at UConn, the rookie struggled in his recent game, only managing to sink 1 out of 6 attempts from the charity line, resulting in a 16.7% success rate.

In a postgame interview, Hawkins shared his thoughts on improving his defensive play. "Still working on things defensively. Still want to be a lockdown defender," Jordan Hawkins told the media.

Jordan Hawkins speaking to the media about his Game 1 performance and improving defensively for Game 2; Credit New Orleans Pelicans

When asked what was his biggest adjustment so far, the rookie replied, "It's probably the defensive end. I mean, the offensive is always going to be there, with my shooting ability. But just trying to separate myself on defense. That's like the biggest I'm focusing on right now. So that's going to be a big impact for me in the next game.

Hawkins gave another point of emphasis — playmaking — that he will work on in the upcoming games. "I'm a play off my shot. I got to get teammates open. I'm still trying to work on my playmaking. That's a big thing I'm focusing on as well," Hawkins said.

Hawkins mentioned physicality as one difference between college and the NBA, but "how they [referees] call it a lot differently." During the Game 1 action, Hawkins banged his knee and went to the sidelines after scoring a free throw. Later he returned to the game.

New Orleans drafted him for his shooting ability, and their first-rounder didn't disappoint as the second-leading scorer with 16 points behind Dyson Daniels' 18 points.

He praised Daniels for his defensive play saying, "He's so long and so athletic, and it's just a big guard. So he can really get into guys because he's really strong, and it's hard for people to go by him. If they do, he can block it. So definitely going to watch film with some of the coaches, and some of the guys. I want to see what he does on the defensive end.

The New Orleans Pelicans will play the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 at the 2023 NBA Summer League. On Friday, the Warriors fell to the Lakers 103-96. Forward Gui Santos scored a game-high 25 points (9-for-15) for Golden State in the loss. He also connected for 3-for-8 from three-point range. Perry led with 11 rebounds, and Davis had eight assists.

New Orleans must win three-straight contests to earn a possible spot in the Summer League knock-out rounds.

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