Pelicans rookie Jordan Hawkins walked the ball up the court and, with a couple of dribbles, launched a deep three-point attempt. It swished in. Jamal Crawford, a former three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, did the play-by-play announcing for the Panini NBA Rising Stars Game and was very complimentary of the Pelicans rookie. During the telecast, Crawford called Hawkins “a natural bucket. He is a natural scorer. You can see the way he gets to his spots.”
Later during a timeout, Hawkins Rising Stars coach Jalen Rose addressed the team with his hand on Hawkins’ shoulder when he said, “You got the potential to be playing on Sunday (All-Star game.)” Hawkins’ team won the Rising Stars challenge, with the New Orleans rookie scoring 12 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing four assists in the two games he played. He committed zero turnovers on the night. Despite the praise he receives for his play, Hawkins never diminishes the opportunity he has.
Feb 2&comma 2024&semi San Antonio&comma Texas&comma USA&semi New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins &lpar24&rpar shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Doug McDermott &lpar17&rpar during the first half at Frost Bank Center&period Mandatory Credit&colon Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports