New Orleans Pelicans training camp will feature five players competing for the final two spots on the team.
The New Orleans Pelicans kick off training camp this week. While a large majority of the roster is likely figured out for this season, there are two spots on the team that could be up for grabs.
Not counting the three two-way players that have already been given deals, there are 13 spots on the active roster that are pretty much guaranteed. That leaves two spots that should be up for grabs between these five options:
G AJ Johnson
Johnson has a leg up on the competition in that his contract is the only one that is guaranteed, but the team could also just move on at $3.2 million and consider that still money saved against cutting Jordan Hawkins.
The 21-year-old also has a lot to prove, though, as a former first-round pick who averaged 3.3 points on 32.4% shooting last season.
F Trendon Watford
Watford had a nice chemistry-building moment this past weekend as he took Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen to the LSU Tigers game with him on Saturday night. He offers a bit on offense as a playmaking point forward and a talented paint scorer. He did have a 20-point, 17-rebound triple-double last year during one of his only starts.
Overall, he would just be a nice, more experienced player to have on the active roster. He is another favorite to make the team for Opening Day from this list.
G Kobe Bufkin
Bufkin is another former first-round pick who hasn't found a role at the NBA level. He did, however, impress at Summer League and earned this opportunity for camp. In the G League, he has shot 38.9% from three on 7.1 attempts per game. The Pelicans would love to add that type of shooting to their rotation, even in spot roles. The presence of Jordan Poole, who is making over $34 million this season, could get in the way, though.
F Caleb Houstan
Houstan is another potential option to improve this team's three-point shooting off the bench. He has a history with this coaching staff, having spent his first three seasons with the Orlando Magic. Over the previous two years, he has shot 41.4% from three on 2.4 attempts over 11.4 minutes. He doesn't offer much else, but that is good enough to fill a role.
C Christian Koloko
Koloko would be there as another enforcer off the bench at center aside from DeAndre Jordan, similar to how they used Kevon Looney last season. He is an active defender, but has been underwhelming on the boards and inefficient as a scorer. With the addition of Julian Reese as a rebounding big with a two-way deal, Koloko could have to show a bit more to make the team.
