The New Orleans Pelicans\u2019 season hasn\u2019t started off the way they wanted it to.<\/p>\n
At 3-5, they\u2019re 14th in the Western Conference. Four starters \u2014Dejounte Murray<\/a>, CJ McCollum<\/a>, Zion Williamson<\/a>, and Herb Jones<\/a> \u2014are injured. This has contributed mightily to the Pelicans ranking 26th in points per game (107.8) and 22nd in offensive rating (109.9).<\/p>\n However, there have been a couple of silver linings for New Orleans.<\/p>\n Brandon Ingram<\/a> is playing at an All-Star level. Prior to their injuries, McCollum and Williamson were trending in the right direction. In fact, McCollum was arguably playing the best defense of his career. 2024 No. 21 pick Yves Missi<\/a> looks as advertised defensively. 2023 No. 14 pick Jordan Hawkins<\/a> is taking the top off of defenses, scoring a career-high 17.6 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting from three.<\/p>\n Then there\u2019s Brandon Boston Jr.<\/a>, who is playing the best basketball of his career. A top-10 high school recruit<\/a> in 2020, Boston is currently on a two-way contract<\/a> with the Pelicans.<\/p>\n This season, Boston is playing a career-high 20.6 minutes per game. This has led to him averaging career-highs of 9.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. In his last three contests, one of which saw him start for the first time this season, he\u2019s really caught his stride.<\/p>\n https:\/\/youtu.be\/gznx7T2qZPI?si=ZvjlUA1AioB-xIwH<\/p>\n The 22-year-old has posted 16.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in that time, shooting 55.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three. His numbers have certainly been eye-catching but it goes past the stat sheet.<\/p>\n His shooting touch on his jumpers, be it in the midrange or outside, has been soft. He\u2019s playing with a great pace, not getting too sped up. Yet, he\u2019s also been decisive. With his length, comfort handling the ball, and court vision, he\u2019s a legitimate offensive weapon.<\/p>\n Defensively, Boston has shown a knack for using his length to force ball-handlers to pick up their dribble or take tough shots.<\/p>\nPelicans\u2019 Brandon Boston Making The Most Of New Opportunity<\/h2>\n