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Pelicans getting acclimated to numerous new teammates as Saturday’s open practice approaches

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After setting a franchise record last October for the highest-ever attendance in the Smoothie King Center for a New Orleans open practice, it’s possible – maybe even likely – that mark will be shattered Saturday, when the 2019-20 Pelicans hold their annual fan-friendly event at 6 p.m. Many fans and media will greatly anticipate witnessing things like Zion Williamson’s aerial fireworks and Lonzo Ball’s gifted passing ability, but there are plenty of other things to watch for during the free-admission practice.

Pelicans.com sat down with numerous players after voluntary workouts, as well as on Media Day, to get some of their observations about teammates who’ve impressed or surprised them the most in recent weeks. Keep in mind, as much as New Orleans fans will be trying to get more familiar with a roster that has nine new players – 14 if you include two-way contracts and players potentially headed to Erie in the G League – the Pelicans themselves are experiencing something similar. Other than the team’s six returnees and a few random cases such as JJ Redick and E’Twaun Moore having played one season together in Orlando, it’s a squad where teammates are also just getting to know each other.

Time to empty out the notebook and hear some of the initial impressions of New Orleans players at this early stage of training camp and preseason:

Jrue Holiday has enjoyed watching the development of the New Orleans rookie trio of Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Holiday on the three first-round picks: “Seeing them (in workouts), you can see they have a chemistry, and that’s good to build. Maturity-wise, they’re a bit ahead of their time, in that they’ll be able to step out on the court and be able to contribute very quickly. They’ll be able to acclimate to how this game is played compared to summer league or even college.” …

Williamson was among several Pelicans who praised two-way contract guard Josh Gray for his play during voluntary workouts. Gray seems to be comfortable so far playing in his home state (he’s a Lake Charles native) and down the road from where he went to college at LSU. Williamson, listing his takeaways from workouts: “Josh Gray is quick and a finisher. For someone his size, he can finish (shots in the paint) over Jaxson. Nickeil is confident in himself and staying true to his game. Jaxson, whenever he dunks, I look to the sideline like, ‘Man that was incredible. Is anyone watching this?’ ” …

Kenrich Williams on Gray: “One guy who has really stood out is Josh Gray. He’s been great the last month. But I played against him in junior college (in Texas), so I already knew what he’s about.” …

For his part, Gray said voluntary workouts were a chance to make his presence felt on a team where his game is probably not very well-known yet. Gray: “(It was) earning those guys’ trust and showing the coaches and David Griffin that I can play at this level, and not just play but contribute at this level. The voluntary workouts were so important for me to establish who I am and my game.” …

Another frequently-mentioned name among players after voluntary workouts: Jahlil Okafor, who appears to be in tremendous shape, even better than after making a big jump in that area last season. He often was the first big down the court during workouts, outrunning his defender en route to transition dunks. “The person who surprised me most was Jahlil Okafor,” guard Jalen Adams said. “He’s been kind of looked over in the NBA, but if you watch him play, you’d be impressed by how much talent he has, his size and the way he moves. I feel like most bigs shouldn’t be moving like that, but he can be like a point forward even at the center position. I think it’s going to be a big year for him. His body is completely different from what people are used to.” Okafor: “It definitely feels good that your hard work is being noticed. In pickup games, you’re able to see how many players have a love for the game. Everyone here is super competitive.” …

Energetic two-way contract forward Zylan Cheatham is one of essentially nine NBA rookies in training camp. The Arizona State product’s first impression of the competition: “Being at this level, spectacular plays almost become normal. You’ve got so many guys who are capable of going for 20 on any given night. There have been some open gyms where something spectacular will happen, but guys are like, ‘It’s just another day in the office.’ One thing that stood out to me is how good Jrue Holiday is – he is so hard to guard. Also how smart players are, and don’t have much wasted movement. E’Twaun Moore, I never knew how good he was until playing with him. He doesn’t miss too many shots and has a very simple, but loud game. Lonzo (Ball) had some passes that I just couldn’t comprehend, like some fullcourt lobs that were just not regular stuff. Guys’ IQ was pretty much the most impressive thing.”

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