The New Orleans Pelicans are five games away from finishing what has been a very disappointing season for them. In a year in which a lot was expected from them, the Pelicans are 19 games under .500 and eliminated from playoff contention.
A major reason for the disappointing season has been injuries. So many key players have missed time with injuries, and as the schedule is winding down, their top six players are all out for the season. While having all of those players hurt is the last thing the Pelicans wanted, the silver lining is that they have at least been able to give young guys opportunities to show they belong in the NBA.
One player who has really stood out toward the end of this season has been Tim Frazier. Frazier has appeared in just 11 games with the Pelicans since signing that first 10-day contract, but he is now signed for the rest of the season and is making a case to stick around beyond this season too. Frazier has scored in double-figures in all but one game since coming to New Orleans and has also shown he is far from just a scorer. Head coach Alvin Gentry has been impressed to say the least.
"He's an easy guy to pull for," Alvin Gentry said. "To have him here, he really does seize the moment. He has taken total advantage of the opportunities that have been given to him, and I think that's all you like to see. When you see guys get an opportunity and then they totally take advantage of it, I think it's a great situation."
Frazier was the MVP of the D-League last season but came into camp this year with the Portland Trail Blazers with the intention of making that team. Frazier did make the team, but he was buried on the bench behind Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum at the point guard spot. The Blazers eventually released Frazier at which point he headed back to the D-League. Frazier has already shown the ability to dominate the D-League, he just needed an opportunity for minutes at the NBA level, and the Pelicans have provided that.
The 25-year-old point guard has averaged more than 28 minutes per game in New Orleans, and his numbers stand out. He is averaging 13.5 points, 6.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 47 percent from three. It is hard to imagine Frazier being able to keep up those shooting numbers over a full season, but the sample size is pretty big, and at this point it is clear he deserves a shot to be a team's backup point guard despite the fact that he is only 6-foot-1.
Frazier has not only played extremely well in his short time with the Pelicans but his effort and tenacity has also turned him quickly into a fan favorite. The head coach is impressed, the fans like him and his numbers are good. Norris Cole likely won't be back with the team next season, so Frazier may be the guy behind Jrue Holiday as the backup point guard heading into the 2016-17 season.
