The New Orleans Pelicans don’t shoot a ton of 3-pointers relative to the rest of the NBA, but when they do, defenses had better hope it isn’t No. 24 letting it fly. Forcing the opposition to pick which poison it wants, the smooth two-guard works a post entry pass and then a re-post to keep them guessing. Unwilling to continue playing the waiting game after the ball locates him for a second time, Hawkins locks, loads, and then raises up for a picture-esque 3-pointer to extend the Pelicans’ fourth-quarter lead. Already nuanced in the art of off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot accuracy, the No. 14 selection took full advantage of his extended tick with each of New Orleans’ top three scorers on the mend. In the win over the Dallas Mavericks on January 13, 2024, Hawkins again surpassed his career-high, shooting the leather off of the basketball for an efficient 34-point outing, along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and six 3-pointers. · Jan 14, 2024