2. Leads Pelicans In Assists

When Devonte’ Graham took over a starting job for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2019-20 season, he was one of the best assist men in the NBA. He averaged 7.5 assists per game with a 35.3 assist percentage.

He was excellent with the ball in his hands, as he could create for others as easily as he could create offense for himself. However, his assist numbers decreased during the 2020-21 season as the Hornets added more ball handlers.

LaMelo Ball was selected third overall by Charlotte in 2020 and gave him the keys to the franchise. While Graham still managed to average 5.4 assists per game, the ball was in his hands far less as Ball averaged 6.1 assists with a usage percentage of 26.1. Graham’s usage percentage dropped from 24.8 to 21.4.

This season, he will assuredly face competition for handling the ball. The New Orleans Pelicans want to use Zion Williamson more as a facilitator and Brandon Ingram is good with the ball in his hands as well. Despite that, Graham will still lead the team in assists during the 2021-22 season.

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New Orleans had 9.5 assists per game leave this offseason, so there will be some slack that needs to be picked up. Graham will do that, averaging at least 6.0 assists per game.