How the New Orleans Pelicans roster will look heading into training camp after their three recent moves.
The New Orleans Pelicans finally added someone to the active roster who wasn't there before, as part of a flurry of small moves.
After doing nothing for a week, the Pelicans have made three real changes over the past couple of days. They signed Trendon Watford to a one-year deal, signed Malik Dia to a Training Camp deal and waived Hunter Dickinson after previously giving him a second two-way contract.
Here is where the team currently stands:
Guards
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
It'll be interesting if the Pelicans decide to just run it back with the group of players they have for their guard depth entering the season. Pierre and Bufkin are fun, scoring-first talents who could become something, but they aren't going to begin the year in the rotation.
At least, though, Fears and Murray could be a pretty good veteran/up-and-comer duo. Both should be better than they were last year, too, with Fears developing and Murray finally getting back to 100%.
Wings
SF/SG Trey Murphy III
SG/SF Herbert Jones Jr.
F Saddiq Bey
SG/SF Micah Peavy
SG/SF Bryce McGowens
F Caleb Houstan - Training Camp Contract
New Orleans has yet to pull off their big move on the wing. They have long been rumored as a destination for Bennedict Mathurin, but the Los Angeles Clippers have also wanted to keep him for themselves at a cheap price point.
Still, this is the strength of the team. Murphy is one of the best shooters in the NBA. Along with him, Jones is one of the best individual defenders. Bey has proven himself as a valuable bench player and solid spot starter.
Bigs
PF Zion Williamson
C Yves Missi
C/F Derik Queen
C Karlo Matkovic
C DeAndre Jordan
F Trendon Watford
F Malik Dia - Two-Way Contract
C Christian Koloko - Training Camp Contract
Moving on from Dickinson makes sense, as there isn't a clear path to ever really needing him right now. If they decide they do want a true center on a two-way, Koloko offers for defense anyway.
While the rest of the basketball world has begged the Pelicans to add another true center, they will rely on the offseason work of Queen and Missi, along with the game plan changes with their new coaching staff.
