NBA Roundup: Pelicans Falter Early, Okogie Boosts Rockets, Mavericks Reshape Front Office
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NEW ORLEANS — A difficult start has put the New Orleans Pelicans on the back foot. Forward Zion Williamson is out again with a hamstring injury, and, according to The Athletic’s William Guillory, head coach Willie Green is already facing questions about his future.
Pelicans’ Early Troubles
Even when Williamson has been available, on-court chemistry has lagged. The combination of Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones shows a –11.3 net rating across 75 minutes, far below expectations for a two-way core.
Rookie guards Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have provided rare bright spots. Fears has impressed with pace and pick-and-roll feel, while Queen has reached double figures in each of his last four games despite averaging just over 23 minutes.
Offseason pickup Saddiq Bey, acquired from Washington in the CJ McCollum trade, has delivered steady production and outperformed fellow newcomer Jordan Poole while working back from ACL surgery.
The schedule offers little relief. A five-game homestand brings the Lakers, Warriors, Thunder and Nuggets to Smoothie King Center, leaving the Pelicans with scant margin for error.
Okogie Sparks Houston
HOUSTON — Amid a splashy summer that added Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, the Rockets’ low-profile signing of Josh Okogie is turning heads. Okogie has opened in the starting lineup seven times in nine games, with Houston posting a 6-1 record in those starts.
“He has the same DNA as the guys we brought in initially,” head coach Ime Udoka told The Houston Chronicle, citing Okogie’s defensive versatility, offensive rebounding and timely shooting. Udoka added that the veteran’s energy eases the load on rookie guard Amen Thompson and allows for greater lineup flexibility.
Mavericks Shift After Harrison Exit
DALLAS — Following the departure of general manager Nico Harrison, basketball operations are now led on an interim basis by Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi.
Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron reports that trades involving Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving could eventually be explored, though significant moves are considered weeks away. Meanwhile, The Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend notes that Finley and Riccardi inherit a roster short on draft capital, stocked with several underperforming veterans and in need of stability after a turbulent week.
Source: Hoops Wire
