Brice McGovens, rising Pelicans guard

The two men narrowly separated at that moment. Released by the Hornets in 2022, James Borrego joined the Pelicans staff when, at the same time, Brice McGowens landed in Charlotte after being drafted 40th overall that year.

Three years later, and after two seasons without much attention in Charlotte, then even less last year with the Blazers, the point guard has a chance to evolve for the one he missed.

« First of all, I feel really blessed to be in this position, in an organization that believes in me, that believes in me and puts me in the right situations. It feels good. I work hard, the coaches help me, and my job is simply to give it my all and do whatever the team needs to win. », the 23-year-old player from Nebraska testifies.

Barely used during the opening weeks of the competition this season, the full-back has seen his playing time increase drastically since the end of November. Even to the point where he’s recovering from some of the mandates he sometimes benefited from during his time with the Hornets.

James Borrego has been following him for a long time

A profitable bet. Already against the Lakers at the end of November, he registered a career record with 23 points. The record was tied last night against the Blazers – his former team, against whom he was motivated – including a perfect 5/5 from 3-point range with 7 rebounds. He averaged 15 points in six games.

« He earned his minutes. We don’t give it to him. Every time he’s on the floor, good things happen. In defense, in jumps, in transition… We see that his influence is significant when he is on the floor », hails James Borregowho says he is very proud of himself, because he managed to make up for the absence of Herb Jones in particular. What was not it’s really not easy to download ».

Even if he shined from behind the arc last night, the coach is highly regarded by the coaching staff for his slasher qualities. “ It has the ability to go inside, which I love. » He may be tempted to improve his game, as McGowens says he watches teammate Jordan Poole a lot in practice.

His expectations when he commits to NOLA via a “two-way deal”? ” It was about coming to work, letting things happen, and fighting every day. Give them a reason to put me on the field. This is the state of mind I’ve had since I got here. », Ends the last one, rewarded for this approach.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.