3 New Orleans Pelicans players to watch in the 2024 NBA preseason

The New Orleans Pelicans will open their 2024 NBA preseason on Monday night at home against the Orlando Magic. It is the first of four exhibitions the team will play in preparation for the 2024-25 regular season.

They head out to play the Magic again on Friday, October 11th. After that, there are visits to the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets on the 13th and 15th, before the regular season begins on October 23rd.

Even though the preseason games don't count for much, they are a great opportunity for fans to see new players on the field for the first time and see what the rotations might look like once the games count.

Who has something to prove to the Pelicans? Here are three players to keep an eye on during the exhibition season.

The 2024 NBA 2K25 Summer League was a disaster for UConn's 2023 first-round pick. When I wanted to see him take on more responsibility as a ball handler at the point guard position, the results were dismal.

Hawkins isn't ready for a role like this yet. But he's someone Willie Green will rely on to start the season since Trey Murphy suffered an injury in practice last week.

If he can provide the 3-point shot that everyone knows he is capable of with solid team defense, he will be a positive asset to the team and solidify his status as a rotation player when everyone is healthy.

There is a gaping hole at the center position in New Orleans' lineup. There have been rumors that they are looking to upgrade via trade. If nothing materializes, their first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft could have a shot at consistent playing time.

Missi, who played one season in college at Baylor, is a poor prospect in some ways. His offensive game isn't very polished, but he can make an immediate impact with his interior presence as a fullback and rebounder.

Offensively, he would present the team with a potential top player beyond the rim. Spacing could become problematic if he shares the spot with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but a strong preseason from the rookie would alleviate some of the concerns at center.

The team's biggest offseason addition came from the Atlanta Hawks in a blockbuster transfer. On paper, their new commander-in-chief appears to be a good fit on both ends of the field.

The offensive issues late in the game should dissipate with Murray's playmaking abilities. As an improved 3-point shooter, he can also operate without the ball when other players have the ball in their hands.

Defensively, he will be a threat alongside players like Murphy, Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado and Javonte Green. They all cause havoc in the passing lanes and can get the job done in one-on-one situations, giving Green another weapon to use at the barrier.