New Orleans made a slew of roster moves during a busy 2019 offseason, most of which generated headlines. The Pelicans added three first-round picks, proven NBA veterans JJ Redick and Derrick Favors, as well as three former Lakers, one of whom quickly developed into a 2020 All-Star. The franchise was also enthusiastic about the less-publicized June addition of Nicolo Melli, a versatile Italian forward who had competed for a dozen years overseas.
In his official NBA debut Oct. 22 at Toronto, Melli appeared more than ready to perform in a new league, shooting 4/5 from three-point range, as the Pelicans nearly spoiled the defending champion Raptors’ ring night.