Tim Frazier is used to proving himself.

Despite his diminutive stature, Frazier plays the point guard position with the aggression and purpose of a player three times his size. With a chip on his shoulder, he understands that the only way to make your presence felt is to force people to take notice. Playing on a 10-day contract for the third time in his career, Frazier knows the drill.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced on Wednesday they’d be adding Frazier to the roster thanks to a hardship waiver granted by the NBA after the Portland Trail Blazers waived him at the NBA trade deadline. Hours later, he suited up for the Pelicans in Sacramento for a matchup versus the Kings. Hampered by the injury bug all season, New Orleans desperately needed a suitable guard who could provide a spark off the bench. It seems as though the Pelicans might’ve found the player they’ve been searching for after Frazier finished one assist shy of a double-double with 14 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and one steal.

Starting the game on the bench, Frazier made the most of each opportunity he received. He stormed out of the gate late in the first quarter, recording four points, three assists, and one rebound in four minutes. He looked sharp and shot the ball with confidence while taking command of the New Orleans backcourt. He made his fair share of highlight-reel plays, including a no-look feed to a cutting Dante Cunningham for a dunk.

He got comfortable from the floor in the second half, especially from mid-range. He finished the night 6-10 on field goals, and began to develop a little chemistry with some of New Orleans’ big men — including Anthony Davis.

Frazier’s impressive performance might surprise some, but he’s made the best of his time away from the NBA. In eight games with the NBA D-League’s Maine Red Claws, the league’s reigning MVP nearly averaged a triple-double with 15 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9.4 assists during that stretch. He was named D-League Player Of The Week in consecutive weeks before signing with New Orleans.

In short, Frazier can play, and he’s ready to prove yet again that he belongs in the NBA. The Pelicans play Portland on Friday at 8 p.m., and Frazier gets a shot at his former employer.