​The New Orleans Pelicans moved to 2-1 in this year’s NBA Summer League after their 81-75 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, a win largely fueled by the same core group of standout players. The game coincided with Jaron Pierre Jr.’s 24th birthday, making it his best performance of the short Summer League run and marking his first start of the tournament. Pierre finished with 16 points and three rebounds, delivering a strong showing on a celebratory day.
Pierre hasn’t been flawless in the preseason, but his play echoes the game that made him a draft pick, suggesting he’s the same versatile talent he showcased in college. His current efficiency isn’t elite, yet he can explode to the rim and display a reliable shooting range. The skill set is clearly present, and with development, Pierre has the potential to become a very entertaining player.
Despite questions about an Opening Night roster spot, Pierre’s trajectory appears suited for a two-way assignment this season. Starting the year with the Laketown Squadron would likely benefit both him and the organization, providing crucial development time while keeping him available for call-ups as needed.
Another strong candidate for a two-way slot is Malik Dia, who also delivered a standout performance. Dia led the Pelicans with 17 points, while adding eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. He has consistently answered coaching staff expectations, and his willingness to shoot the three-ball is encouraging since that was a weakness in his college days. Dia is actively working on his perimeter game, a sign that he’s committed to expanding his offensive toolkit.
Kobe Bufkin remains a player fans are watching closely. While he is still a likely two-way candidate, it wouldn’t be shocking to see another team claim him as a backup guard, given the current roster constraints. The Pelicans, however, would need to trim non-guaranteed contracts or move on from players such as Jordan Poole or Jordan Hawkins to create a similar opportunity for Bufkin. Bufkin, at 22 and a former first-round pick, put up 15 points in this game and has shown streaky shooting tendencies. He’s doing the right things to position himself for a future role somewhere in the league, particularly following his performance that included a 30-point outburst to start Summer League.
Markquis Nowell contributed 2-of-4 from three-point range and added four steals, continuing a reputation as a lively, disruptive guard. At 5-foot-7, Nowell’s size draws questions about fit at the highest levels, but New Orleans has demonstrated how valuable small, energetic guards can be off the bench, a lesson reinforced by Jose Alvarado’s success in a similar role.
The Pelicans’ Summer League slate continues with a likely final game on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The result could influence roster decisions and two-way negotiations as teams assess which players can contribute depth and potential upside in meaningful NBA roles. The club’s performances this week have suggested a solid foundation for evaluating developmental options, with several players showing the traits coaches want to cultivate as they prepare for the regular season.