Joey Hauser impresses during NBA Summer League action

Former Michigan State basketball star Joey Hauser had his first chance to impress NBA scouts, and he did not disappoint.

Hauser is playing in the NBA Summer League with the New Orleans Pelicans, hoping to earn a roster spot in the NBA or at worst make one of their G-League teams. And after his first game on Friday, he may very well be on that path.

Joey Hauser has solid performance at NBA Summer League

Hauser’s New Orleans Pelicans took on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, a game the Timberwolves won 81-74. But it’s Summer League so who cares, all we want to know is how Hauser played.

Hauser may have played the fewest minutes of the eight Pelican players who saw action, but he made the most of his opportunity. In his 15 minutes of game time, Hauser scored seven points. He did this on an efficient 3-for-5 shooting and 1-for-3 from 3-point range. Hauser also added two rebounds and a steal during the game as well, sealing a great all-around outing.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not acting like this was an insanely impressive performance from Hauser, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about either. If anything, this shows that Hauser deserves some more playing time, especially considering one of the Pelicans’ starters failed to score the entire game.

If Hauser is able to keep this production up while getting an increase in minutes, he has a legit chance to earn a small NBA contract. I’d be shocked if it wasn’t for the team’s G-League team, but Hauser just needs to keep getting more opportunities and maybe he’ll be able to break through someday.

The Pelicans' next game is Sunday against the Orlando Magic before taking on the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.