Articles

none

Pelicans.com

The NBA announced today that Pelicans guard-forward Herb Jones was named to the 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Jones, 6-7, 212, finished the regular season as one of four players in the NBA that compiled at least 100 steals and 60 blocks. His 1.4 steals per game tied for seventh among all qualified NBA players, and his 105 total steals ranked 11th in the NBA. During the season, Jones ranked fifth among non-centers in the NBA with 167 STOCKS (steals + blocks). Jones also ranked fourth in the NBA in contested (257) and blocked (15) three-pointers.

Jones is joined on the First Team by Bam Adebayo (Miami), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota) and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio).

Jones is the fourth player in New Orleans franchise history to earn All-Defensive Team honors, joining Chris Paul (Second Team 2007-08; First Team 2008-09), Jrue Holiday (First Team 2017-18; Second Team 2018-19), and Anthony Davis (Second Team 2014-15; Second Team 2016-17; First Team 2017-18).

The NBA All-Defensive Teams were selected by a global panel of 99 sportswriters and broadcasters. The media voting panel selected five players for the Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team and five players for the Kia NBA All-Defensive Second Team at any position. Players received two points for each First Team vote and one point for each Second Team vote.

Below are the voting results for the 2023-24 KIA NBA All-Defensive Teams.

2023-24 KIA NBA ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM

herb-jones-2023-24-kia-nba-all-defensive-first-team

Herb Jones named to 2023-24 KIA NBA All-Defensive First Team

Jim Eichenhofer

Among the various things Herb Jones has accomplished during his brief three-year NBA career, one of the most important feats can only be appreciated within the context of franchise history. On Tuesday, Jones became the fourth New Orleans player in its 22 seasons to claim the prestigious honor of being named NBA First-Team All-Defense, something previously done in the Crescent City by Chris Paul (2008-09), Jrue Holiday (2017-18) and Anthony Davis (also 2017-18).

What makes Jones’ honor a bit more unique compared to that of those former Big Easy performers is something the selfless, Alabama native likely can appreciate: He’s been at the forefront of turning the Pelicans into a consistent, quality defensive team, something that eluded New Orleans for the vast majority of its existence.

highlights-herbert-jones-top-defensive-plays-from-1st-half-of-2023-24-nba-season

Highlights: Herbert Jones Top Defensive Plays from 1st half of 2023-24 NBA season

Prior to Jones being drafted No. 35 overall in 2021, New Orleans had finished between 21st and 23rd in defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions) in each of the previous three seasons. Even during the 2017-18 campaign when both Holiday and Davis were First-Team All-Defense, the Pelicans were a middle-of-the-road 14th in the advanced statistic. From the franchise’s inaugural season of 2002-03 prior to Jones becoming a second-round draft steal, New Orleans had placed in the top 10 of defensive rating just four times in 19 seasons – and never higher than sixth place.

By comparison, the Pelicans ranked exactly sixth in defense in 2022-23 and 2023-24, the first time the club has ever been a top-10 defensive unit in consecutive years. Jones also reached uncharted territory among New Orleans’ First-Team All-Defense picks for another reason: He claimed the honor in just the third year of his NBA career. Paul’s initial first-team status occurred in Year 4, while Davis’ came in Year 5. Holiday was a nine-year pro when he was selected to the league’s elite defensive squad with New Orleans.

herb-jones-highlights-2023-2024-nba-season-top-plays-new-orleans-pelicans

Herb Jones' Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

herb-jones-nba-first-team-all-defense-honor-new-orleans-franchise-history

NBA First-Team All-Defense honor puts Herb Jones in unique territory within New Orleans franchise history

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has been named the winner of the 2023-24 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, as administered and selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA). Named after the NBA’s second commissioner, the honor is presented annually by the PBWA to a player, coach or athletic trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community.

McCollum is being honored for his extensive community work in and around New Orleans, with a focus on education, social justice reform and efforts to provide equitable resources and opportunities for youth.

McCollum was one of five finalists for the award, along with Miami Heat assistant coach Caron Butler, Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. The finalists were chosen by a committee of PBWA members from nominees submitted by NBA teams. The winner was determined by a vote of the entire PBWA, which is composed of more than 200 writers and editors who cover the NBA regularly for newspapers, magazines and online news outlets.

cj-mccollum-community-impact-2024-j-walter-kennedy-citizenship-award

CJ McCollum’s community impact | 2024 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

“CJ’s passion, generosity and commitment to improving the lives of the youth in his community is truly impressive,” said PBWA President Howard Beck, of The Ringer. “The members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association salute him and all the nominees for their inspiring work.”

In January, McCollum partnered with non-profit College Beyond to launch the McCollum Scholars Program, a needs-based scholarship program that will provide eleven New Orleans students with $100,000 each (a total commitment of $1.1 million) to pursue four-year degrees. As part of the initiative, McCollum Scholars will also be offered academic coaching services, mental-wellness resources, career preparation and internship placement. The program aims to close the education, literacy and racial wealth gaps through access to quality education, and to create a pathway to obtaining a post-secondary degree.

In March, McCollum opened the CJ McCollum Dream Center at the Westbank Boys & Girls Club of Metro Louisiana. The center, which has been transformed into a dynamic hub of innovation and inspiration, is stocked with new laptops and tablets, smart boards, laser printers, a library, virtual reality headsets and a podcast studio. It is the third Dream Center that McCollum has opened, and the first in Louisiana, where he has resided since joining the Pelicans in February 2022. He has described the centers as a beacon of hope and a safe haven where youth can explore, learn and grow.

Last October, in collaboration with the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights and the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, McCollum visited the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center and Travis Hill School in New Orleans, which is dedicated to rehabilitation and education in the justice system. The visit included an engaging conversation between McCollum and the youth.&nbsp; McCollum’s visit was accompanied by Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis, who is a strong advocate for juvenile justice reform.&nbsp;McCollum, Sen. Duplessis and leaders from the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition discussed issues youth are facing in the juvenile justice system and explored collaborative solutions to the ongoing commitment of social justice.

McCollum, who also serves as President of the National Basketball Players Association, averaged 20 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 66 games for the Pelicans this season.

Below is the complete list of winners of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

cj-mccollum-highlights-2023-2024-nba-season-top-plays-new-orleans-pelicans

CJ McCollum’s Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

cj-mccollum-2023-24-j-walter-kennedy-citizenship-award-winner-pelicans-community

CJ McCollum wins 2023-24 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

Age: 22NBA experience: One season (one with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 67/10Key stats: 7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 36.6 three-point percentage, 83.8 FT percentage

Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

Several parallels can be drawn between New Orleans recent first-round draft picks Trey Murphy (No. 17 in 2021) and Hawkins (No. 14 in 2023), including that both players needed to earn playing time as rookies, receiving double-digit DNPs. During their minutes on the floor, both displayed significant long-term upside, while also delivering an immediate impact, helping the Pelicans win games despite their first-year status. Murphy made a couple of the most important buckets during the ’22 play-in tournament elimination game victory at the LA Clippers, while Hawkins twice scored 25-plus points in Southwest Division wins over Dallas this season.

Hawkins’ talent and shooting ability are why Pelicans center Larry Nance Jr. projected big things for the UConn product on April 30.

“Jordan Hawkins is going to be an awesome player,” Nance said, while being interviewed for “The Squad” documentary series. “He’s going to be awesome.”

Thinking back to his own experience, Murphy recalled the improvement the forward made during the offseason following his rookie campaign. The Rice and Virginia product then finished seventh in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting for 2022-23.

“I’m super excited for him,” Murphy said, alluding to Hawkins’ ability to build off of Year 1. “This is the part of the process that is so important. My rookie year I didn’t play as much at first – started to play more at the end. But I used that motivation of not playing to really fuel that summer (of preparation). So I’m just really excited to see what he does when he comes back.”

Hawkins plans to continue to add strength and muscle to his frame, which will make him a tougher defender at the pro level.

“This is a very important summer for me,” Hawkins said in his April 30 exit interview. “I know I need to make that step, make that leap that I know I’m capable of doing.”

jordan-hawkins-highlights-2023-2024-nba-season-top-plays-new-orleans-pelicans

Jordan Hawkins Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

The Athletic's Will Guillory recaps New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins' 2023-24 NBA season.

Jordan Hawkins' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Ranking among all NBA rookies in total three-pointers made (109). Every player ahead of him on that list essentially logged twice as many minutes as Hawkins (Brandon Miller, Keyonte George, Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama). Hawkins played the 21st-most minutes among rookies (1,161).

Ranking among all NBA rookies in free throw percentage (minimum 60 games played). Only Marcus Sasser, Gradey Dick and George were more accurate from the foul line among first-year players. Hawkins shot 14/16 in four meetings with Dallas.

Minutes per game for Hawkins in November, the only full month he averaged more than 20. Amid early-season injuries to backcourt players CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado, Hawkins started eight times among his 16 November appearances.

Jordan Hawkins’ three most notable games

One of the top single-game performances of the entire NBA season from any rookie, he rang up 34 points as the extremely shorthanded Pelicans stunned the Mavericks on the latter’s home floor. Hawkins was 11/19 from the field, including 6/12 on three-pointers. He added five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Guard Jordan Hawkins scored a career high 34 points during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 in American Airlines Center.

pelicans-stat-leader-highlights-jordan-hawkins-with-career-high-34-points-vs-mavericks-1-13-2024

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jordan Hawkins with career high 34 points vs. Mavericks 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins' postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

jordan-hawkins-talks-his-performance-chemistry-with-valanciunas-pelicans-mavericks-postgame-interview-1-13-2024

Jordan Hawkins talks his performance, chemistry with Valanciunas | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado's postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

jose-alvarado-on-win-over-mavericks-hawkins-performance-pelicans-mavericks-postgame-interview-1-13-2024

Jose Alvarado on win over Mavericks, Hawkins performance | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

postgame-wrap-pelicans-118-mavericks-108

Postgame wrap: Pelicans 118, Mavericks 108

The Pelicans’ first-ever In-Season Tournament victory was spearheaded by hot shooting from their lottery pick in the Smoothie King Center. Hawkins came off the bench firing, finishing with 25 points, highlighted by 5/12 three-point shooting.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins scores 25 points in the team's In-Season Tournament win against the Dallas Mavericks.

highlights-jordan-hawkins-25-points-dallas-mavericks-in-season-tournament-11-14-23

Highlights: Jordan Hawkins racks up 25 Points vs. Dallas Mavericks 11/14/23

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins' postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Nov. 14 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

jordan-hawkins-bounceback-win-mavs-shooting-confidence-pelicans-mavericks-postgame-interview-11-14-23

Jordan Hawkins on bounceback win vs. Mavs, shooting confidence | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 11/14/23

dallas-mavericks-at-new-orleans-pelicans-photos-game-action-11-14-2023

Photos: Pelicans vs Mavericks | Game Action 11/14/2023

nba-in-season-tournament-postgame-wrap-pelicans-131-mavericks-110

NBA In-Season Tournament postgame wrap: Pelicans 131, Mavericks 110

Hawkins served notice by tallying 31 points and lighting up Ball Arena with seven three-point buckets in 14 attempts. In only his seventh NBA game, he scored 16 points in the opening half, then tacked on 15 more after intermission, but the defending NBA champions came back from a double-digit deficit.

Guard Jordan Hawkins scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-19 (.526) shooting from the field including 7-of-14 from three-point range. Hawkins also tallied seven rebounds during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 6 in Ball Arena.

jordan-hawkins-pelicans-nuggets-highlights-11-06-2023

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jordan Hawkins with 31 points vs Denver Nuggets

Pelicans Guard Jordan Hawkins scored 16 points on 6-of-10 (.600) shooting from the field in the first half during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 6 in Ball Arena.

jordan-hawkins-16-first-half-highlights-pelicans-nuggets-11-6-2023

Jordan Hawkins scores 16 in first half | Pelicans at Nuggets 11/6/2023

postgame-wrap-nuggets-134-pelicans-116

Postgame wrap: Nuggets 134, Pelicans 116

photos-pelicans-at-nuggets-game-action-11-6-2023

Photos: Pelicans at Nuggets | Game Action 11/6/2023

Jordan Hawkins’ player participation report

His role fluctuated throughout the season, very dependent on the availability of some of the team’s numerous veteran guards and wings. After playing in every game through early December, he began receiving sporadic DNPs, though he did have a stretch from New Year’s Eve through Feb. 10 of playing in 21 consecutive games. However, some of his games-played total was inflated by New Orleans being part of so many blowouts (he logged single-digit minutes in six separate games that were decided by 20-plus points).

jordan-hawkins-2023-2024-nba-season-in-review-new-orleans-pelicans

Jordan Hawkins | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

On the latest New Orleans Pelicans Podcast from Monday, May 20, 2024, Jim Eichenhofer and Gus Kattengell are joined by The Athletic's Will Guillory to discuss Jordan Hawkins' 2023-2024 NBA season as we wrap up this year's Pelicans roster season recaps.

LISTEN ABOVE OR CLICK HERE FOR FULL PODCAST >>

jordan-hawkins-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Jordan Hawkins' 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

dyson-daniels-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Dyson Daniels' 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

naji-marshall-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Naji Marshall's 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

jose-alvarado-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Jose Alvarado's 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

larry-nance-jr-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Larry Nance Jr.'s 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

trey-murphy-iii-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Trey Murphy III 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

jonas-valanciunas-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Jonas Valanciunas’ 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

herb-jones-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

Herb Jones’ 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

cj-mccollum-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast

CJ McCollum’s 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

brandon-ingram-2023-24-nba-season-recap-new-orleans-pelicans-podcast-05-07-24

Brandon Ingram's 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

zion-williamson-2023-24-nba-season-recap-pelicans-podcast-050624

Zion Williamson's 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

season-recap-nba-playoffs-pelicans-vs-okc-thunder-pelicans-podcast-may-1-2024

Pelicans Season Recap, NBA Playoffs vs. OKC Thunder | Pelicans Podcast

Pelicans Podcast

Age: 21NBA experience: Two seasons (two with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 61/16Key stats: 5.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg

Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

Daniels played well enough during his first 52 regular season games that on Feb. 6 the NBA named him as a participant in the Rising Stars competition at All-Star weekend. Unfortunately for the second-year guard, a Feb. 2 ankle injury against the Lakers not only ended his streak of appearing in every New Orleans game, but also prevented him from taking the stage in Indianapolis for the showcase event featuring the league’s premier young players.

“I set some goals at the start of the year, and one of them was to be selected to the Rising Stars team,” he said. “To be selected was an honor and a goal for me. Obviously I was injured and wasn’t able to play in it. I think I took steps forward this year, but I’ve got a long way to go.”

The native of Australia noted during his April 30 exit interview that one area of long-term focus is perimeter shooting, after he’s hovered around 31 percent on three-pointers each of his two NBA seasons. Daniels wants to bump that up to “high 30s, 40s,” which would force defenses to account for his jumper within the Pelicans’ offense.

Daniels continued to be a top defender (tied for 13th among all NBA players in steals at 1.4 per game), while making incremental jumps in other categories.

“I think I took a step from last year in defending, being able to play with a presence, playing with the ball, playmaker for my teammates,” he said. “Growth in a little bit of everything in my game. There’s a lot more growth I have left in me. I’m looking forward to showing that in Year 3.”

dyson-daniels-highlights-2023-2024-nba-season-top-plays-new-orleans-pelicans

Dyson Daniels Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Pelicans radio color analyst John DeShazier recaps New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels' 2023-24 NBA season.

Dyson Daniels' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Rank among all NBA players for Daniels in steals per 36 minutes (minimum 50 regular season games played). His rate of 2.3 thefts per 36 trailed only Portland ace defending wing Matisse Thybulle (2.7) and Brooklyn guard Dennis Smith Jr. (2.3). Pelicans teammate Jose Alvarado ranked sixth on that list (2.1).

NBA players born in Australia who appeared in at least one game during the 2023-24 season. Several of them will be part of the national team that competes in the Olympics in France. “I’ve got a big summer ahead of me, the Olympics coming up,” Daniels said April 30. “I think I took big steps this year. Hopefully next year I can make an even bigger jump.”

Daniels rank all-time among Australian-born players in career NBA games played (120). He’ll move into the top dozen of that list if he plays 36 or more games in 2024-25, sliding ahead of center Chris Anstey (1998-2000 with Dallas and Chicago).

Dyson Daniels’ three most notable games

#1, Jan. 7, New Orleans 133, Sacramento 100

Daniels played in all six victories over the Kings, including his top offensive performance of the season. He was perfect from the field and three-point range (6/6, 2/2), finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and six assists in Golden 1 Center.

postgame-wrap-pelicans-133-kings-100

Postgame wrap: Pelicans 133, Kings 100

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green's postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Jan. 7 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

willie-green-recaps-win-in-sacramento-pelicans-kings-postgame-interview-1-7-2024

Willie Green recaps win in Sacramento | Pelicans-Kings Postgame Interview 1/7/2024

photos-pelicans-vs-kings-game-action-1-7-2024

Photos: Pelicans vs. Kings | Game Action 1/7/2024

A home victory over the defending NBA champions was critical in the Pelicans eventually qualifying for the In-Season Tournament knockout rounds. Daniels started and produced 10 points, eight boards, seven assists and three steals.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels speaks to the media following the team's In-Season Tournament win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday, November 17, 2023.

dyson-daniels-on-zion-williamson-increased-confidence-pelicans-vs-nuggets-postgame-11-17-23

Dyson Daniels on Zion Williamson, increased confidence | Pelicans vs Nuggets Postgame 11/17/23

nba-in-season-tournament-postgame-wrap-pelicans-115-nuggets-110

NBA In-Season Tournament postgame wrap: Pelicans 115, Nuggets 110

photos-pelicans-vs-nuggets-game-action-11-17-2023

Photos: Pelicans vs Nuggets | Game Action 11/17/2023

pelicans-vs-nuggets-postgame-locker-room-celebration-photos-11-17-23

Photos: Pelicans vs. Nuggets | Postgame Locker Room Celebration 11/17/23

An extremely shorthanded Pelicans squad benefited greatly from one of his best all-around showings, featuring 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists in Texas. His 38 minutes were the second-most he logged all season.

Guard Dyson Daniels hits a layup to close out the first quarter during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 in American Airlines Center.

dyson-daniels-finishes-the-tough-layup-to-close-the-first-pelicans-at-mavericks-highlights-1-13-2023

Dyson Daniels finishes the tough layup to close the first | Pelicans at Mavericks Highlights 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green's postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

willie-green-recaps-win-over-dallas-pelicans-mavericks-postgame-interview-1-13-2024

Willie Green recaps win over Dallas | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

photos-pelicans-at-mavericks-game-action-1-13-2024

Photos: Pelicans at Mavericks | Game Action 1/13/2024

Dyson Daniels’ player participation report

A severely sprained right ankle sidelined him for 21 consecutive games from early February through late March, but he appeared in each of the first 52 contests, as well as the final nine of the regular season. Those 61 games played were only two more than his rookie tally, but with an increased role, Daniels logged 1,358 total minutes, compared to 1,042 in Year 1.

dyson-daniels-2023-2024-nba-season-in-review-new-orleans-pelicans

Dyson Daniels | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

On the latest New Orleans Pelicans Podcast from Friday, May 17, 2024, Jim Eichenhofer and Gus Kattengell welcome back Pelicans radio color analyst John DeShazier to discuss Dyson Daniels' 2023-2024 NBA season as we continue with our Pelicans roster season recaps.

Age: 26NBA experience: Four seasons (four with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 66/1Key stats: 7.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 38.7 three-point percentage, 79.1 FT percentage

Pelicans forward Naji Marshall’s 2023-24 NBA season overview

One of the key cogs for a New Orleans bench that ranked second in plus-minus this season (after finishing eighth last season and No. 22 in 2021-22), Marshall provided defense, energy, toughness, hustle and was an improved shooter and offensive player in his fourth season.

“All of these guys all season long, they’ve all contributed to wins and have contributed to this journey,” third-year head coach Willie Green said of his second unit. “They’re important to what we do. It’s refreshing to see the results.” Brandon Ingram on Pelicans subs: “It just feels like they’re always in the right spots at the right time, and they always bring energy. Naji changes the game in a big way on the defensive side, pushing the pace.”

Marshall went undrafted in 2020 partly due to questions about his perimeter shot (29 percent on three-pointers over three seasons at Xavier in Ohio), but he’s begun to answer those as a pro. He hovered over 40 percent for a long stretch of 2023-24, before finishing at 38.7.

“Reps on top of reps on top of reps,” Marshall explained of his improvement. “Hours being in the gym. Getting that confidence, knowing I work on it and just trusting my work when I get on the court. (And) of course my teammates trusting me.”

The Atlantic City (N.J.) native will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. He’s repeatedly expressed gratitude for being in the NBA, including noting of the NOLA bench’s second-ranked status, “just to be a part of that gave me chills.”

“I’m blessed to be here,” he said. “All glory to God. Just to be able to get in an NBA game, and just get a chance, is everything to me.”

naji-marshall-highlights-2023-2024-nba-season-top-plays-new-orleans-pelicans

Naji Marshall Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Pelicans radio color analyst John DeShazier recaps New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall's 2023-24 NBA season.

Naji Marshall's per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Three-point percentage over his previous three NBA seasons (116 of 406), making him one of the league’s most improved perimeter shooters.

Percentage of his points that came after opponent turnovers. Among Pelicans players who logged significant minutes, that ranked third (Dyson Daniels 20.6, Herb Jones 20.3).

Team-leading buzzer-beating heaves by Marshall at the ends of quarters. Daniels (four) and Larry Nance Jr. (three) were next on the Pelicans.

Naji Marshall’s three most notable games

#1, April 19, New Orleans 105, Sacramento 98

Marshall was arguably the team’s MVP in the victory that sent the Pelicans to the playoffs, bringing aggressive defense and opportunistic offense to a sixth consecutive win over the Kings. He netted 11 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block, relentless hounding Sacramento’s top scorers.

Play-In highlights from New Orleans vs. the Sacramento Kings in their 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19, 2024 as forward Naji Marshall grabs a steal and takes the ball all the way to the rim for the breakaway dunk.

naji-marshall-steal-breakaway-dunk-kings-vs-pelicans-nba-play-in-tournament-highlights-4-19-2024

Naji Marshall steals, takes it the distance for dunk | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Highlights 4/19/24

Play-In highlights from New Orleans vs. the Sacramento Kings in their 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19, 2024 as forward Naji Marshall throws down the dunk.

naji-marshall-dunk-kings-vs-pelicans-nba-play-in-tournament-highlights-4-19-2024

Naji Marshall throws down the jam | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Highlights 4/19/24

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings NBA Western Conference Play-In Tournament postgame interviews with head coach Willie Green after the Pelicans' 105-98 win over the Kings on Friday, April 19 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

willie-green-recaps-win-over-sacramento-pelicans-kings-play-in-postgame-4-19-2024

Willie Green recaps win over Sacramento | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Postgame 4/19/2024

pelicans-105-kings-98-brandon-ingram-24-points-play-in-postgame-wrap

Pelicans 105, Kings 98: Brandon Ingram 24 points | Play-in postgame wrap

#2, March 8, New Orleans 103, Philadelphia 95

One of the best offensive performances of his career featured near-perfection shooting-wise, at 7/8 from the field and 4/4 on threes. He tacked on a free throw to record a season-high 19 points. The Pelicans were plus-23 with him on the court, but minus-15 without him.

Forward Naji Marshall scored 19 points making 7-of-8 (.875) field goal attempts during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, March 8 in Wells Fargo Center.