Why The Pelicans Are Enamored Of Bryce McGowens
Despite being on a minor league deal, McGowens has spent the entire season with New Orleans and is having a career season. In 29 games, including 11 starts, the 6-6 wing averages 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds with shooting splits of 47.7/43.6/76.1. He has scored in double-figures seven times, topping the 20-point mark three times.
Before this season, McGowens had struggled mightily in the NBA, though he has demonstrated he is an NBA-type player through his work in the G League. Maybe all he needed was someone to believe in him, as the Pelicans do.
Selected with the No 40 pick in 2022 by Minnesota after one season at Nebraska, the Pelicans are his third team. The Timberwolves traded McGowens to Charlotte on draft day for Josh Minott and a 2023 2nd round draft pick (Jaylen Clark). After two poor seasons, the Hornets waived him. He signed with Portland in July 2024, totaling 32 minutes in 13 contests.
McGowens is at his best when attacking closeouts or in transition. He is capable of creating his own late-clock situations. However, he struggles to create separation off the dribble, is not a great playmaker, and is streaky from deep.
McGowens has struggled on the defensive end for most of his career. McGowens can guard all three backcourt positions, but he tends to have lapses. In addition, he has not been great in team defense situations. However, he has defended the 3-point line well this season. limiting opponents to 35.4% from deep.
McGowens owns career averages of 5.3 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 43.1% from the field and 34.9% from the three-point line. He averages less than one triple a game in 147 career appearances.
