Ranking the three players competing for the New Orleans Pelicans' final two-way spot.
The New Orleans Pelicans filled out their training camp roster back to the maximum of 21 players this past weekend, leaving a couple of players battling for very limited opportunities.
Right now, the only open spot on the roster is via a remaining two-way slot. The Pelicans currently have their lone 2026 NBA draft pick, Jaron Pierre Jr., and undrafted rookie Malik Dia signed on two-way deals. That gives them two wings, one focused on offense and one on defense.
New Orleans could go a couple of different ways with that last spot. They have already signed and moved on from center Hunter Dickinson this offseason, with his replacement likely already signed. There are a couple of people on two-way deals already who make the most sense.
Caleb Houstan is signed to a training camp deal, but with four seasons under his belt is past the limit for a two-way stash. Here are the ones who can compete for that spot, ranked by how likely they are to fill it:
1. PG Kobe Bufkin
After the Summer League, a lot of people were ready to award this spot to Bufkin. It always felt like a long shot, because it felt like he would get a better opportunity elsewhere. He has signed a training camp deal with New Orleans to fight for a spot on the final roster. If he doesn't make that, he would be a sensible two-way option as someone who is only about to turn 23 and a former first-round pick. If he shoots well during camp and in the preseason, it will be hard to take it away from him; at least that is what logic says.
2. C Christian Koloko
Koloko provides clear value as someone who is bigger and stronger than a lot of the roster, but he has never had any real NBA production to show. He has a career average of 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds across 12.3 minutes a night and 122 appearances. He offers some rim protection, but his performance will have to be more consistent on the boards if he wants to make the team.
3. F Christian Shumate
Shumate was a recent pickup and has a chance, simply because this front office at least trusts him. He was a camp signee and G League player for the organization last season. He is another wing, though, so there might be some redundancy with Dia. On a two-way, though, they'll take anyone who can make an impact. Shumate will have to do the dirty work, but he has a chance.
