Pelicans' Buddy Hield: Disappoints in Las Vegas

Hield struggled mightily in five Las Vegas Summer League games, averaging 16.8 points per game, but shooting just 32.7 percent from the floor and 22.9 percent from three-point range.

Analysis:

While Hield added 5.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, his issues shooting the ball overshadowed the positives. The Wooden Award winner attempted at least 17 shots in all five games and connected on only 10-of-35 looks over the Pelicans' final two contests. He also failed to get to the line at a high rate, attempting just 10 total free throws for the five-game slate. All that said, it's important not to take summer league results too seriously, and Hield will still be a major contributor for the Pelicans as a rookie. In fact, with the news that Tyreke Evans (knee) won't be ready for the start of the season, Hield could be a leading candidate to open the year as the team's starting shooting guard.