This is what the New Orleans Pelicans roster currently looks like ahead of training camp.
The New Orleans Pelicans haven't been busy this offseason, but did make a signing on Saturday to give fans at least something to talk about, as Kobe Bufkin signed a training camp deal to come in and compete.
The Pelicans will now have 17 confirmed bodies in camp. They have one open roster spot to dole out, though more could come with trades. They also two-way spot they can assign as well.
Here is where the team currently stands:
Guards (6)
PG Jeremiah Fears
PG Dejounte Murray
Combo Guard Jordan Poole
SG Jordan Hawkins
SG Jaron Pierre Jr. - Two-Way Contract
G Kobe Bufkin - Training Camp Contract
Guard is at an interesting spot for New Orleans. Fears is set as the franchise guy and should be given as much room to grow as needed. No other guard should have a higher priority for minutes.
The plan, as of now, appears to be keeping Murray around to pair with him while shopping Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins. For a position with so much money being allocated to it, it's also probably the weakest part of the roster. Finding long-term clarity next to Fears will be a focus in the future, but it hasn't been the priority this offseason.
Wings (5)
SF/SG Trey Murphy III
SG/SF Herbert Jones Jr.
F Saddiq Bey
SG/SF Micah Peavy
SG/SF Bryce McGowens
This is certainly the biggest concentration of talent on the roster. All five of these players could be on a championship roster, as they do the right things. Even Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens, who are towards the bottom of the rotation, have proven to be valuable in their roles.
The one thing that the Pelicans could do is add another true three-and-D wing. They need someone else who can shoot and has at least a little bit of size. They've been connected to players like Ziaire Williams and Spencer Jones, so that is what they're trying to do.
Bigs (6)
PF Zion Williamson
C Yves Missi
C/F Derik Queen
C Karlo Matkovic
C DeAndre Jordan
C Hunter Dickinson - Two-Way Contract
This is a spot where New Orleans is going to be relying on a lot of development, if they don't bring in another true big. It's fair, Yves Missi and Derik Queen are both very young and are in the years of their careers where they can still be molded as centers, but adding another center would have given them more insurance.
The Pelicans want to compete for a title next year, but are running it back with a front court that regularly got bullied, minus one of the only enforcers in Kevon Looney.
