Hidden Gems Have Emerged From Pelicans’ Lost Season

Matkovic started the season with the Pelicans G-League team, the Birmingham Squadron. He eventually got his chance, and it didn’t take long to see his potential. His best performance came on Feb. 23, when he had 19 points and six rebounds while shooting an efficient eight for nine from the field.

In his last five games, Karlo has averaged 11.2 points,4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 60 percent from the field. He is rough around the edges, but with more experience, he can become an effective backup center option for the Pelicans for years to come.

Antonio Reeves – G

Antonio Reeves was selected with the 47th overall pick by the Orlando Magic and was immediately traded to the Pelicans. Reeves is the latest guard to come out of Kentucky and has turned heads with his recent play for a decimated Pelicans squad.

Reeves is a solid 3-and-D option who is relentless on the defensive end. He is a strong on-ball defender and shoots efficiently from the three-point line. In his last ten games, he has averaged 10.2 points a night, shooting 52 percent from the field and 52.5 percent from three.

His best game of the season came on March 24 against the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers. In 24 minutes, he scored 17 points while shooting five for seven from three. The Pels desperately need to surround Zion with talent, and Reeves looks to be an efficient 3-and-D guard who can be a microwave scorer in limited minutes.

It took a while for Reeves to enter Willie Green‘s circle of trust, but he has taken advantage of his recent opportunities. The Pelicans have plenty of guard options for next year, but Reeves is a candidate to get more playing time next season.

Keion Brooks Jr. – F

Keion Brooks is a feel-good story for the Pelicans. He was undrafted from the University of Washington and eventually signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans for the rest of the 2024-25 season. In the G League, Brooks impressed, averaging 16 points, two assists, and a block per game. He also shot 34 percent from three on six attempts a game, showcasing his versatility as a 6-foot-6 forward.

His exceptional play in the G League allowed him to showcase his skills in the NBA. In his first start against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooks led the Pels to a home victory, scoring ten points while shooting two for four from three-point range.

In his short time in the NBA, Brooks has emerged as a hustle monster who can do a little bit of everything. He gives it his all every game and can stretch the floor as an athletic forward. His best game came on March 30 against the Charlotte Hornets, where he scored 17 points and snagged eight rebounds while shooting seven for twelve from the field.

Brooks has shown the league that he’s here to stay and has played his way into a potential contract, whether with the Pelicans or another team.

What’s Next for These Players?

While this season has been a never-ending dumpster fire, the Pelicans have been able to see what they have with their young players. Karlo Matkovic has emerged as a dependable backup center option, and Antonio Reeves has flashed potential as a backup 3-and-D guard.

Another feel-good story from this season is Elfrid Payton. The New Orleans native has had two stints with the Pelicans this season and has flashed his elite floor vision. This was showcased on Nov. 25, when he had 21 assists and 14 points against the Indiana Pacers.

Along with Keion Brooks Jr., he doesn’t have a future with the Pelicans as they get their key players back. However, they have made strong auditions and will have opportunities to sign with other teams in the offseason.

As the Pelicans look ahead to next season, they have found multiple young, dependable options that can contribute for years to come. While this season has been miserable, these young players have given fans a much-needed glimmer of hope.