Since the calendar flipped over to 2020, there has been no player better at shooting 3-pointers than New Orleans Pelicans rookie Nicolo Melli.
As Andrew Lopez of ESPN noted, Melli is converting on 49.3% of his shots from beyond the arc, the best percentage in the NBA among players attempting at least three 3-pointers in at least 10 games. Melli has gone 35-of-71 over that time frame.
With Zion Williamson demanding quite a bit of attention on the floor, that has allowed others around him to have open looks with Melli benefitting in that role. After arriving from the EuroLeague this season, Melli was thought to give the Pelicans a big man presence that can shoot from deep and he has proven that so far.
Since Jan. 1, Nicolo Melli leads the NBA in three-point percentage at 49.3 percent among players who shoot at least three 3s a game and who have played in at least 10 games.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) February 24, 2020
Melli is averaging 6.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 45 games played this season for the Pelicans and was recently named as an injury replacement for Deandre Ayton in the NBA Rising Stars Game over All-Star Weekend.
Melli has certainly given the Pelicans some shooting off of the bench and his addition has proven to be valuable. The Pelicans are the midst of a playoff battle and will need all the help they can get down the stretch.
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