Imagine a player who barely saw the court last season, logging just 31 minutes with the Portland Trail Blazers, spending most of his time in the G-League shadows. Now, picture that same player stepping into the spotlight, dominating the court, and leaving his former team in the dust. That’s the story of Bryce McGowens, the latest hidden gem unearthed by the New Orleans Pelicans' front office. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: McGowens’ journey from obscurity to impact player is a testament to both his resilience and the Pelicans’ keen eye for talent.
When the Pelicans signed McGowens to a 2-way contract in late July, it barely made a ripple in the basketball world. After all, he had spent most of the previous season with the Rip City Remix, the Blazers’ G-League affiliate, far from the NBA’s bright lights. Yet, fast forward to now, and the 6-foot-6 guard is turning heads with his explosive contributions to a Pelicans team in dire need of a spark. And this is the part most people miss: McGowens isn’t just filling a role—he’s redefining what it means to seize an opportunity.
On Thursday, McGowens delivered a performance that silenced any doubters. He tied his career-high with 23 points in a victory over the Blazers, his former team, proving exactly what they’re missing. But it wasn’t just the points; McGowens went a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out two assists, and added two steals in 30 minutes—nearly matching his entire playing time from last season. His biggest moment? Stepping in for Herb Jones, who was ejected in the first half, and leading the Pelicans to a dominant 143-120 win (https://www.nola.com/tncms/asset/editorial/c0c72c31-8ae1-44cf-a762-6abd3c3a5747/).
‘You lose Herb and you’re not sure where to go,’ admitted Pelicans interim coach James Borrego. ‘But Bryce has been steady all year. He’s earned these minutes. He’s not been given this time. He’s earned it. Every time he’s on the floor, good things happen.’ Bold words, but the numbers back them up. McGowens’ plus/minus of +19 led the team, and over the last six games, he’s averaging 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists—a far cry from the player who was an afterthought just months ago.
Here’s the controversial part: Was McGowens simply overlooked, or did he need the right system to thrive? His journey from a 5-star high school recruit to a second-round draft pick in 2022 was anything but linear. He initially committed to Florida State before switching to Nebraska to play alongside his brother. And when he landed in Charlotte, Borrego had just been fired from the Hornets, meaning they’d never worked together until this season. ‘I don’t think anybody saw him playing these (many) minutes,’ Borrego admitted. ‘But give our front office credit. They found this kid and believed in him.’
McGowens’ teammates are equally impressed. ‘Bryce has been playing amazing,’ said Jordan Poole. ‘He has such a calm demeanor and just plays the right way. Extremely talented. You can trust him to go out there and make an impact without overdoing it—that’s hard to teach.’ Poole’s praise highlights what makes McGowens special: his ability to blend seamlessly into the team while still standing out.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. McGowens is just the latest success story for Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, who’ve assembled a promising core of newcomers. From draft picks like Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy to the trade acquisitions of Poole and Saddiq Bey, the Pelicans’ front office is on a roll. And McGowens? He’s the icing on the cake, exceeding expectations less than 30 games into the season.
‘My expectations were to come in here and work and let the chips fall where they fall,’ McGowens said. ‘Compete every day and give them a reason to put you on the floor. That’s been my mindset since I stepped foot here.’ It’s a mindset that’s paying off in spades.
So, here’s the question for you: Is Bryce McGowens the next big thing, or is this just a hot streak? And more importantly, how much credit should the Pelicans’ front office get for uncovering this talent? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
