Jordan Hawkins

Jordan Hawkins was born on July 10, 2002, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he developed into one of the most prolific shooters in the DMV basketball scene. His smooth shooting stroke and ability to score from beyond the arc made him a highly recruited prospect who chose the University of Connecticut to continue his basketball career.

At UConn, Hawkins was a key contributor to the Huskies' 2023 NCAA Championship team, providing crucial three-point shooting that stretched defenses and created driving lanes for his teammates. His ability to perform in high-pressure tournament games demonstrated the competitive temperament that NBA teams covet in shooting specialists.

His championship experience at UConn provided Hawkins with the confidence and winning pedigree that translate well to professional basketball. The discipline and team-first approach instilled by coach Dan Hurley created habits that have served him well in adapting to the NBA's demanding environment.

Selected 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft, Hawkins joined a team seeking exactly his skill set: elite perimeter shooting to complement the inside scoring of Zion Williamson and the playmaking of other teammates. His role as a floor-spacing shooter was clearly defined from the moment he was drafted.

Hawkins' three-point shooting is his signature skill and his ticket to NBA relevance. His quick release, combined with deep range and accuracy off both catch-and-shoot and movement situations, makes him a gravity-creating presence that forces defenses to account for him whenever he is on the floor.

His off-ball movement is sophisticated for a young player, reflecting the high basketball IQ that made him effective at UConn. Hawkins' ability to use screens, relocate to open spaces, and time his cuts creates shooting opportunities that maximize his primary skill within the structure of team offense.

The defensive side of Hawkins' game continues to develop as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NBA. His effort and willingness to compete defensively provide a foundation for improvement, even as his offensive shooting remains his primary value proposition to NBA teams.

As the Pelicans continue to build around their core of young talent, Hawkins' elite shooting ability provides a valuable piece of the competitive puzzle. His potential to develop into one of the NBA's premier three-point shooters gives him a clear path to a productive and sustainable professional basketball career.