On Sunday, it was reported by Olgun Uluc and Andrew Lopez of ESPN that the New Orleans Pelicans are finalizing a multi-year contract with draft pick Didi Louzada.
Louzada, who was the 35th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has spent the past two seasons in the National Basketball League with the Sydney Kings. The Kings granted Louzada permission to sign his contract with the Pelicans as he arrived in the United States on Sunday.
The 21-year-old was one of the first players to participate in the “Next Stars” program, which also featured LaMelo Ball, R.J. Hampton and others. He averaged 8.8 points and 1.9 assists in 20 games this season with the Kings on 39% shooting from the field.
Our man @didi is NBA bound! đź‘‘
The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings have granted permission for Didi Louzada to travel to the United States as he prepares to join the @PelicansNBA of the @NBA.
Read more: https://t.co/8dNGqn8JaR#WeTheKings #PROUD pic.twitter.com/HDSS9dnhsY
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) April 18, 2021
Louzada previously played with Franca Basquetbol Club of the NBB, the top basketball league in Brazil, and has shown potential as a 3-and-D player. He reportedly packed on nearly 40 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-5 frame as the Pelicans are hopeful he can become a defensive stopper in the NBA.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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