New Orleans Pelicans Training Camp Preview: G/F Bryce McGowens

The New Orleans Pelicans kick off training camp in under a month, which means it is time to start preparations for the season. As the roster comes into shape, it's important to take stock of where everyone is heading into camp.

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The Pelicans had signed McGowens to a two-way deal last season, but immediately fell in love with what he brought to the team off the bench. They promoted him to the full-time roster on a three-year, $6.2 million deal. Now he heads into his fifth season with more confidence than ever.

State Of His Career

McGowens was a second-round pick back in the 2022 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He was a one-and-done player for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, so he's still pretty young even though he has bounced around for a few years.

The 23-year-old had stints with the Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazers before signing with the Pelicans. His time with the other two teams would never have led the team to guess how he would perform in limited minutes last season.

McGowens posted 8.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 48.1/40.9/77.9 shooting splits in 42 games for New Orleans. He will still have to fight for minutes next season, but this coaching staff will surely love to have a near-41 % three-point shooter on their bench.

Where He Must Improve

McGowens was trustworthy on offense. He was efficient with his shots and rarely turned the ball over. With this coaching staff, he's going to need to bring more to the defensive side of the ball. The Pelicans' defense was 4.5 points worse per 100 possessions last season with him on the court, per CleaningTheGlass, which ranks in the 18th percentile for wings. 

The biggest thing that will keep him from playing this season will be his rebounding. That is one area where they are looking to improve, and it is probably his weakest skill. There is going to be a ton of competition for minutes on the wing. Benedict Mathurin and Micah Peavy pose the biggest threats to his minutes.

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