These three free-agent shooting guards could be options for the New Orleans Pelicans to try out for their final open two-way slot:
The New Orleans Pelicans have filled out their active roster for now, but that doesn't answer all of the questions surrounding the team. There is still the business of the final two-way spot to take care of.
So far, the Pelicans have rookie wing Jaron Pierre Jr. and rookie forward Malik Dia on the team for their two-way slots. They had center Hunter Dickinson signed as well, but waived him after they signed Dia. Now, New Orleans can really do whatever they want with that final two-way.
Kobe Bufkin and Christian Koloko are currently signed to training camp deals and will be fighting for that two-way slot. The Pelicans could also stay active in the two-way player market and find other options to try out.
Here are the best of the remaining free agents at shooting guard that New Orleans could consider working out:
SG Bez Mbeng
Mbeng was a part of the deep roster of first-or-second-year players that the tanking Jazz trotted out last year. His best game came in the final few games of the season when he put up 27 points and 11 assists against the Memphis Grizzlies, though it was a glorified G League game. Still, it shows that he can at least produce something on an NBA court.
The Yale graduate isn't the best shooter on this list, but he has a prototypical modern frame for a wing and plays with a very high motor. The kind of player who will at least try hard if given spot minutes throughout the year.
SG Curtis Jones
Jones built up a great reputation as a teammate throughout his college career, coming off the bench and eventually showcasing the potential to be an elite sixth-man. Part of being a role player in the NBA is simply being ok with filling that role.
The former Iowa State Cyclones standout put up 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on 43.0/37.4/84.5 shooting splits with a little over a steal per night. He's 6-foot-5, so not exactly the same, but he brings a similar quality to what Jose Alvarado did.
SG Hayden Gray
This coaching staff bringing back Houstan for another look shows that they want a shooter. Gray doesn't have a deep NBA bag, but he was a lights out shooter in college, so he may be worth a look.
As a senior back in 2025, he shot 41.8% from three on 4.4 attempts per night. That season, he also won the Big West DPOY with 3.1 steals each game. He only appeared once for Utah last season.
