Jordan Hawkins: His Shooting Confidence Is Soaring, Strong
NEW ORLEANS - The rookie has put on an impressive shooting display for the Pelicans. Jordan Hawkins is averaging 13.7 points on 36% shooting from the three-point line. His scoring average is third among NBA rookies this season, and his 32 treys are the most for any player in the first-eleven games of their NBA career.
While these accolades for Hawkins give credence to the New Orleans Pelicans choosing him with the No. 14 pick in this past NBA Draft, the rookie expected to have the success he's currently seeing. "I'm supposed to be here, it's just another day.......I know what I've done to get to this point," Hawkins told reporters after a dazzling 25-point performance in a win over the Mavericks.
"All the hard work I've put into getting here. I'm not saying I'm supposed to have these games, but I'm not surprised as well because I know how hard I've worked to be at this point." Hawkins was drafted by New Orleans to fill a specific need for three-point shooting. The Pelicans ranked No. 29 in the league last season in three-point attempts per game.
The vision of pairing sharpshooters Trey Murphy III and Hawkins on the floor together seemed like the one New Orleans sought on draft night. Murphy III went down with an offseason knee injury that would sideline him for 10-12 weeks of recovery. He's yet to take the floor this regular season for the Pelicans.
Nov 14, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) shoots a jump shot against Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jose Alvarado also is sidelined with a tibia injury that has prevented him from playing this season. Add to the list CJ McCollum, who is out indefinitely with a lung injury, and those are your top three-point shot attempt players from a season ago. The pressure switched to the rookie to fill that void, and he has delivered.
Hawkins leads the team in three-point attempts and three-point makes. He's one of two rookies with at least two 25+ point game performances this year. The other is No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. Already in this young season, he's gone up against the likes of Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, and Trey Young. He's found success playing against the NBA's elite.
The NBA's elite has also recognized his talent. Zion Williamson says, "his (Hawkins) confidence is already like a year 7 or 8 veteran. He's beginning to garner national media attention as he climbs up the top rookie ladder.
While his confidence is unwavering, the rookie remains grounded in his role on this team. When asked about his accomplishments early on in his career, Hawkins immediately deflected to how he can help the team win. "It's dope when you see NBA history and your name next to it, but I have to keep doing what I'm doing to help the team win. That's all I'm trying to do. The awards and stuff, when you perform, will all fall in line."
