At 26 and after three first NBA seasons in Charlotte, Devonte’ Graham will play with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson (Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball transferred) to New Orleans this season. He landed at the Pelicans in a three-team sign-and-trade, for 4 years and $ 47 million. After a season of 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in 2019-20, he saw his role diminish with the arrival of LaMelo Ball Last year. From just over 35 minutes per game, he was down to 30, and his averages were affected (14.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.4 average assists). But the team also had better results (33 wins against 23 in 2019-20) and it was therefore necessary to make choices for Mitch Kupchak (GM).
“I didn’t take it the wrong way, no. Once you start to understand the business side, you understand that some things just couldn’t be done. ‘Devonte’ Graham
34th pick in the 2018 draft after leaving Kansas (2014-18), the native North Carolina full-back (Raleigh) went through the G-League box during his rookie year to find a place in the NBA workforce .
“Their G-League development program has helped me a lot. I just tried to make progress on something every summer. One day it was the three-pointers, another day it was the passes, etc. ‘Devonte’ Graham
via Charlotte Observer
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