Ready for the regular season

Sat, Oct 22nd 2016, 08:00 PM

With five preseason games now under his belt, New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Chavano "Buddy" Hield said on Thursday night following a 114-111 loss to the Orlando Magic, that he's adapted to the pace of the professional game and is now ready to take on the regular season.

Through five games, including a start in the fourth game against Atlanta Hawks, Hield is averaging 11.2 points, three rebounds and 1.8 assists.

In the interview with basketballinsiders.com, Hield said that he's learned a lot from playing in both the Samsung NBA Summer League and the preseason.

"I've learned that it's all about staying poised," Hield said. "I know how it feels to be in tight games and I know how it feels to get blown out. So you learn how to bounce back from games."

With the Pelicans down two in Thursday's game (113-111), Hield committed a turnover in the closing seconds that allowed the Pelicans to take a 114-111 advantage on a foul by Omir Asik that sent Fournier to the free throw line.

Hield said although he wishes he could take it back, it's a part of the game and another teachable moment.

"Next time I'll know what to do in that kind of situation," he said. "This preseason showed me that I could compete with these guys. I can guard them and stick with them. I was a bit shaky in the beginning and I appreciate the coach leaving me in there to fight with those guys."

Thursday's game was a bit different for the Pelicans from the past two games. After being sidelined with an ankle injury, All-Star forward Anthony Davis made his return to the lineup and made his presence felt immediately. He finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds and four rebounds.

Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry said he likes the idea of Davis and Hield playing an inside out game, because as long as Davis is on the floor, Hield will have a lot more space to get off clean shots.

"It was great to have Anthony back," Hield said. "He's amazing and he really works hard to be where he is. You can't teach what he does and I'm glad to be on a team with such a great player. He also helps me with the x's and o's of the game. He shows me the spots I have to be in to be most successful."

The Pelicans begin their regular season on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets. That game is set for 7 p.m. That game is set for 7 p.m.

Randy Smith, Guardian Sports Reporter

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