With the No. 14 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans took UConn sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins.
After flashing promise as a freshman, Hawkins flourished in a starting role for the eventual national champion. The Maryland native was a lethal threat from beyond the arc, finishing 12th in the NCAA with 109 triples this past season. He averaged nearly three makes from downtown per contest and knocked down multiple 3-pointers in all but six appearances during the 2022-23 campaign.
Hawkins proved to be more than an outside threat, pulling up off the dribble in the mid-range and often drawing free-throw attempts when the defense closed out too aggressively. The former four-star recruit's constant off-ball movement and quick release forces opponents to be conscious of his whereabouts at all times.
Bio
Position: Guard
School: Connecticut
College experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 186 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-7
Max vertical: N/A
2022-23 stats with Connecticut
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 40.9 | 44.5 | 88.7 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 16.2 |
Strengths
- Smooth shooting mechanics.
- Capable of stopping on a dime and drilling attempts from distance in transition and the half court.
- A weapon in off-ball screening actions.
- Uses exceptional footwork to create space from defenders.
- Hard-working defender.
Weaknesses
- Lean frame could make him a target on defense.
- Below-average finisher at the rim; he made just 52.9% of his attempts within 4.5 feet of the basket.
- Capable playmaker but has plenty of room to improve.
NBA comparable: Richard Hamilton. Hawkins' game is very reminiscent of the former UConn legend, specifically his ability to move without the rock. The Huskies used Hawkins in a variety of off-ball actions, including dribble-handoffs, pindowns, curls, and staggers.
