In a much-anticipated game on Saturday, the Pelicans secured a 118-108 win against the Mavericks, retaining the number one position in the Southwest Division while pushing the Mavs down to second. They pulled this off all without their star players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, or CJ McCollum. However, the team was in good hands as rookie Jordan Hawkins stepped up and led New Orleans to a victory without most of their regular starting players.

Hawkins started the game and clocked in 38 minutes of game time. The rookie scored a career-high 34 points, with an impressive 58% FG. This new achievement has catapulted him to the top of the rookie rankings, where he shares the stage with Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.

Jordan Hawkins might catch up to Wemby and Chet

Saturday’s game marked Hawkins’ second game with 30+ points this season, joining Wemby and Chet as the only rookies with more than one 30-point game this season. Both Wemby and Chet have three 30+ points games each under their belts, totaling 98 and 100 points, respectively. Hawkins’ total currently stands at 34. After Saturday’s performance, it looks like it won’t be long until Hawkins catches up to that number.

His first 30+ point game this season was on the 7th of November last year during the 134-116 losing game against the Nuggets. The 21-year-old star scored 31 points, seven rebounds, and three points. Hawkins mostly played off the bench, having started only six games so far. But after how he pulled off, we might see his minutes increased. Hawkins had carried the team in the absence of their star players, proving that they can rely on him.

A rookie with a mission

The Pelicans were without their usual starters, Williamson (resting a right quad contusion), Ingram (Achilles), and McCollum (ankle). Coach Willie Green decided to put Hawkins in the first five, a decision he would not regret. Hawkins outshined everyone on the court with the highest points of the game at 34, while also contributing five rebounds and four assists.

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In the game, Hawkins sank an impressive six 3-pointers out of 12. The 14th overall draft pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has played 35 games this season, posting averages of 10.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. In December, he was assigned to the Birmingham Squadron, a G-League affiliate of the Pelicans, and was recalled on the 31st of December. As the Pelicans deal with injuries, this could be the perfect time for Hawkins to display his skills and talent.

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After Saturday’s stint, do you think Hawkins should start more often? Was he a diamond in the rough this entire time? Share your thoughts!