These were the biggest takeaways from the New Orleans Pelicans' training camp roster.
The New Orleans Pelicans finally announced their official training camp roster on Thursday afternoon. There were no major updates in terms of the players who are available, but it does confirm that Christian Shumate was released. They are full with 21 players, three on two-way deals.
Just because there weren't any major personnel surprises doesn't mean that there weren't some takeaways to be had from the announcement. Here is what stood out the most:
Zion Williamson Coming in at 277, and His Trainer Says He's Actually at 271
Just last year, when Williamson was once again praised for how conditioned he looked at media day, the star was still listed at 284 pounds. Trainer Kris Chrisp weighed in and added that he was actually down to 271 this year, but it wasn't an effort to get to a specific number. They rather focused on consistency and finding what worked for Williamson's body.
This is a great sign heading into a crucial year for Williamson. He finally found an approach that worked last year, playing in 35 straight games for the first time, and now they have continued that into this offseason. If he is able to avoid any major injury stretches this year, things really may just be different. Music to Pelicans fans' ears.
A Few Listed An Inch Taller
With some veterans like Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray also being listed an inch taller, it could mean nothing, but there were three young players also listed taller. Jeremiah Fears is at 6-foot-4, Derik Queen is at 6-foot-10 and Jaron Pierre Jr. is listed at 6-foot-6.
Queen and Fears were two exciting players as rookies, with one of the biggest worries being that they were undersized for their positions. If they got hit with a bit of a growth spurt this offseason, it would be fantastic news for New Orleans. Pierre being 6-foot-6 makes him a very exciting wing prospect given his athleticism and shooting ability. Any advantage these three could find on defense and on the boards, they will take.
There Should Be Plenty of Competition
The Pelicans have already figured out their three two-way players for this season, but there will be a few others fighting for extremely limited space on the roster. There are about 13 players who are pretty much guaranteed a spot on the team. That will leave Kobe Bufkin, Caleb Houstan, AJ Johnson, Christian Koloko and Trendon Watford to fight for the final two spots.
