It only took New Orleans rookie guard Jordan Hawkins three games to move into his team’s starting lineup. By his second NCAA season, he was a national champion. A native of the East Coast, one of his favorite players spent his entire NBA career on the West Coast, which is the reason Hawkins wears uniform No. 24, as he explained to Pelicans.com:
Best moment as an athlete so far: “Winning a national championship in college.”
How he chose his current uniform number of 24: “Kobe Bryant. I’ve been wearing 24 for a while now. It’s become a part of me. I’ve worn it since probably my sophomore year of high school.”
One thing fans might be surprised to know about him: “I’m a decent golfer. I haven’t played at (any golf course) here yet. It’s too hot to play here.” [smiles]
First job: “Shoveling snow in Maryland where I grew up. I did it for one year, but then I stopped because it was too cold.”
Favorite athlete as a kid: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James. I loved Kobe because of how crazy intense he was. It was just different.”
What he’d be doing if he weren’t an NBA player: “I like baseball and played when I was younger. I probably would’ve taken that route.”
Closest friends currently playing on other NBA teams: “(Former Connecticut teammate) Andre Jackson with Milwaukee; Chet Holmgren of Oklahoma City. Also some of the pre-draft guys from this year.”