At the start of the fourth quarter in Sunday’s critical game vs. San Antonio, New Orleans rookies Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were on the court, with the Spurs clinging to a four-point lead. It was the kind of invaluable, situational experience that the pair of first-round picks were not assured of getting in 2019-20, particularly on a team featuring proven NBA veterans like Jrue Holiday, first-time All-Star Brandon Ingram, JJ Redick and Derrick Favors.
Although the stakes won’t be quite as high Tuesday, when New Orleans (30-40) faces Sacramento (29-41), it’s likely the 20-year-old Hayes and the 21-year-old Alexander-Walker will gain additional, important opportunities to play.