Any excitement for the NBA Summer League debut for the Pelicans was tempered quickly when top pick Dyson Daniels went down in a heap during a 85-68 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Daniels played 8 minutes, scoring 1 point with 2 assists and a rebound before he went down with what the team called a sprained ankle. X-rays were negative. Daniels had officially signed his rookie contract earlier in the day, making him available for the action.
Pelicans assistant and Summer League head coach Jarron Collins said Daniels was able to put weight on the ankle, but indicated his availability for the rest of Summer League is unlikely at best.
“Obviously it’s frustrating for him, it’s frustrating for us as a team, organization. That being said, injuries are part of the game," Collins said. "I don’t think it’s anything more than a sprained ankle. He’ll rehab it. He’ll be diligent with his rehab and he’ll get back out there when he gets back out there.”
New Orleans started well in the game, leading 19-14 after the first quarter, but that went sour as well when they ended up on the wrong end of an 18-0 run in the second quarter. The Pelicans kept things interesting throughout, led by Trey Murphy's 23 points -- though that included just 1-for-9 shooting from 3-point range. Fellow rookie draft pick EJ Liddell also had a rough showing with just 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting and 4 rebounds in 24 minutes, while Karlo Matkovic showed encouraging sings with 4 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 17 minutes.
Former Auburn guard Jared Harper was also a high point with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Naji Marshall added 9 points and 6 rebounds. One clear issue was a lack of facilitation. Outside of Marshall, the rest of the Pelicans' roster combined for just four assists in total.
Former LSU standout Trendon Watford led the way for the Blazers with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Portland's top pick Shaedon Sharpe did not play in the game.
The Pelicans are next in action on Monday at 5 p.m. (central) against the Atlanta Hawks.
