Alabama Basketball in the NBA: 2021-22 Season Preview

By Matt Melton | Oct 18, 2021

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 30: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 30, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

PG Kira Lewis Jr – New Orleans Pelicans

Entering year two of his young NBA career, the former Alabama Basketball star point guard could be set for a breakout 2021-22 season in New Orleans.

2020-21 Season Recap

Lewis saw increased playing time as the season went on a year ago, appearing in a total of 54 games during his rookie season. Averaging 16.7 minutes per game, Lewis averaged 6.4 PPG and 2.3 APG for the Pelicans while shooting 41.5% from the field.

Team Outlook

The Pelicans missed the playoffs during Lewis’ rookie season finishing with a 31-41 record, 11th in the Western Conference. Entering year one under new head coach Willie Green, New Orleans should contend for a spot in the playoffs in the Western Conference, likely finishing the regular season anywhere from No. 7-11 in the West.

2021-22 Outlook

Lewis is a potential breakout candidate among second-year NBA players this season as he will likely feature a prominent role in the Pelicans backcourt. Potentially working his way into the Pelicans starting lineup at some point, Lewis should enjoy a strong year two, one that could potentially see an appearance in the Rising Stars Game over the NBA All-Star break.

Prediction for 2021-22 Season Stat Line: 8.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 39.5 FG%, 34.7 3P%, 80.2 FT%

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