New Orleans Pelicans: 3 takeaways from 2019 NBA Summer League

1. Keep a close eye on Didi

Another breakthrough rookie for New Orleans in Las Vegas was Marcos Louzada Silva. Commonly known as “Didi,” Silva was selected 35th overall by the Pelicans in this year’s draft. Although he was the least known of the incoming rookies, you would not have known that based on his play.

Didi was scoring consistently in double figures, shot very well from behind the arc and was able to have active hands and get into passing lanes to steal passes, such as this one against the Miami Heat that sealed the overtime victory for the Pelicans:

https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1150203472442118144

Even though Didi impressed and played well against NBA talent, we will have to wait at least a year before we see him play in the league. Didi Louzada will be a draft and stash for the Pels and be a part of the “Next Stars” initiative playing in the Australian NBL league.

Many New Orleans fans want him to remain with the team and aren’t happy about the move, and based on this picture of him officially signing with the Sydney Kings it doesn’t seem like Didi is too happy about it either:

https://twitter.com/SydneyKings/status/1151241170846011392

This rule was originally for prospects to use as an alternative to college basketball, but Didi is a new exception to the rule. It should actually be very beneficial for Didi, as he will be provided with a tutor while there to help learn the English language to help prepare him to play here in the US.

The rule is set up to where he will play in Australia for one year and then have an NBA out clause where he can return to the states to play for the 2020-21 season.

Didi probably would not find much playing time if he were to stay on the NBA roster, so it will be good for him to go somewhere else where he can work on and improve his game and to also get his body physically ready to play in the NBA.

In just a short period of time, Didi was able to really make a name for himself with Pelican fans and he is now someone to keep an eye on to see how he will fit into the equation for New Orleans in the long run.

Although Marcus Louzada Silva is a “draft and stash” for now, he may end up being known as a steal for the Pels out of the 2019 NBA draft.