New Orleans Pelicans Sign Christian Shumate To Training Camp Deal

The New Orleans Pelicans had an open spot on their training camp roster, so they're bringing back someone from last year who landed on the Birmingham Squadron.

NBA writer Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reported on Sunday night that the Pelicans were signing Christian Shumate to a deal for camp. It's assumed that this is in the same vein as the deals received by Malik Dia, Kobe Bufkin, Christian Koloko and Caleb Houstan.

Most of those players will end up competing for the one two-way spot remaining, while the others head to the G League. Houstan is the only one who cannot be stashed on a two-way.

Shumate is a 24-year-old forward who spent most of his college career in-state with the McNeese State Cowboys. He averaged 11.8 points and 7.7 rebounds over his five-year career.

He appeared in 26 games for the Squadron, picking up 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per night on 54.2/33.3/44.9 shooting splits. That 33.3% from three was on 2.3 attempts per game, which was a solid stretch for him. If he can come in to camp, play some solid defense and shoot the three ball at a solid rate, he could certainly make it as a two-way player. This coaching staff and front office will reward players who do the dirty work.

In all likelihood, Shumate will be back in the G League this season with the new Laketown Squadron. He could be someone who eventually acts as a late-year call-up, similar to Josh Oduro last year.