The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly worked out BYU Cougars forward Keba Keita this weekend, ahead of the 2026 NBA draft.
The offseason is moving along for the New Orleans Pelicans, their coaching staff is now mostly in place, and they can now focus on the roster for next year's team.
The scouting staff has been hard at work, and the team has been hosting players for workouts ahead of this month's 2026 NBA draft. Given that the Pelicans only have the No. 58 pick, their efforts have mainly been focused on players who are mostly expected to be available in the second round.
New Orleans is one of the 11 teams that have reportedly worked out BYU Cougars forward Keba Keita so far, per college basketball insider Vince Wolfram.
Keita was listed as a center in college, but is undersized for the position in the NBA. While he might have the defensive versatility to guard some fives, he will most likely be a four at the next level.
Last season, for the Cougars, Keita averaged 6.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 68% from the field and 55.2 from the free-throw line. Defensively, he averaged 1.8 blocks and 1.0 steals a night.
The 6-foot-8 wing is the third known player who has worked out for New Orleans so far, joining Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris and Maryland Terrapins forward (and hometown star) Solomon Washington.
All players so far match what everyone in the organization has been preaching all offseason to this point. They have reputations for being high-effort defenders. The Pelicans right now seem to just be searching for players who will buy in to their culture. Keita fits that description.
