Preview: Timberwolves vs. Pelicans – Several Talented Rookies to Make Debut, Hawkins Leads Team for Opening Win

At 5 AM on July 13th, the NBA Summer League continues with the Minnesota Timberwolves facing off against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Timberwolves’ lineup is led by this year’s No. 8 draft pick, Dillingham, who was selected by the Spurs in this year’s draft and subsequently traded to the Timberwolves in exchange for the Timberwolves’ first-round pick in 2031 and the right to swap first-round picks in 2030.

Dillingham, born in 2005, is a point guard, standing at 1.87 meters tall, and hails from basketball powerhouse Kentucky University. In the NCAA’s 2023-24 season, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 44.4%. In the new season, veteran Conley will be another year older, and young Dillingham is likely to take on the important role of Conley’s backup. This Summer League is also a great opportunity for Dillingham to showcase himself. In addition to Dillingham, the performances of No. 27 draft pick Shannon, third-year player Minott, last season’s No. 33 draft pick Miller, No. 53 draft pick Clarke, and former Rockets player Nix are also worth watching.

The Pelicans’ lineup is led by last season’s No. 14 draft pick Jordan Hawkins, who is an excellent shooter. As a rookie, he averaged 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.6%. He once scored 34 points in a single game and had two games where he scored over 30 points. On the Summer League stage, Hawkins’ skills are outstanding, and he will lead his team in pursuit of an opening win.

Also noteworthy are the performances of the Pelicans’ two rookies. No. 21 draft pick Ives Missi, from Baylor University, stands at 2.11 meters tall and has excellent physical attributes. No. 47 draft pick Antonio Reeves, also from Kentucky University, averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds during his college career, with a field goal percentage of 51.2% and a three-point shooting percentage of 44.7%. He will go head-to-head with his college teammate Dillingham.

The Summer League rosters for both teams:

Timberwolves: Jalen Clark (No. 0), Dillingham (No. 8 draft pick), Josh Minott (No. 8), Nix (No. 12), Cole Yat (No. 13), Jesse Edwards (No. 14), Jawante Cook (No. 15), James Biship (No. 17), Wieskamp (No. 20), Gabi Kalschuh (No. 22), Jaden Ledy (No. 25), Tyler Wahl (No. 31), Leonard Miller (No. 33), Noel Istan (No. 40), Nadir Hiafi (No. 67), Terence Shannon (No. 00, No. 27 draft pick)

Pelicans: Kevin Obanor (No. 0), Kevon Brooks (No. 2), Jared Cruddle (No. 4), Antonio Reeves (No. 12), Carlo Matkovich (No. 13), Josh Oduror (No. 18), Joey Hauser (No. 20), Ives Missi (No. 21), Isaiah Brankin (No. 23), Jordan Hawkins (No. 24), Trey Mitchell (No. 30), Jermaine Cousinard (No. 35), Jordan Hall (No. 55)

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