Michael Scotto: The New Orleans Pelicans and Caleb Houstan have agreed to a one-year deal, league sources told u/hoopshype. He'll compete for the final Pelicans roster spot after shooting 52.4% from 3-point range with the Hawks last season. He reunites with former Magic coach Jamahl Mosley.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pelicans-sign-caleb-houstan-one-220459174.html
The 21-year-old finished second on the team in net rating among players who played 50 or more games, behind only Herb Jones. This wouldn’t be a shocker to anyone who watched most of the Pelicans' games, as every time Missi was on the court, the Pelicans’ energy and rim protection got a massive boost. Whether it was blocking shots or finishing lobs when the team needed a boost off the bench, interim head coach James Borrego knew to turn to Missi.
Coming into the offseason, the expectation most fans had coming off a 26-win season was that New Orleans would be shaking things up one way or another. That hasn’t happened, as it appears Dumars and Troy Weaver are banking on internal growth as a key to the Pelicans making their way back to winning basketball in 2026-27.
https://pelicandebrief.com/pelicans-offseason-is-revealing-a-massive-gamble-on-yves-missi
The former Michigan standout was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 15th-overall pick in the 2023. Kobe Bufkin, who poured in a game-high 30 points in the loss. If he can continue to prove he’s dramatically improved his outside shooting and can remain consistent, the Pelicans may be hard-pressed not to try to keep him on the roster or, at the very least, sign him to a two-way deal. The Pelicans currently have a couple of two-way spots open.
He was also extremely impressive in his playmaking ability, both offensively and defensively. He added six assists and five steals to go along with his 30-point night.
When the Hall of Famer recently likened second-round draft pick Jaron Pierre Jr. to a blend of Anthony Edwards and LeBron James, it immediately turned heads. However, the comparison wasn't simply about athleticism, explosiveness, and rim pressure. Garnett was describing a player capable of overwhelming defenses with power, speed, and an attacking mentality.
Jordan Riley, East Carolina
One of the top scorers in college basketball last season, Riley signed a deal with the Pelicans, per 247 Sports. The details of the contract are currently unknown, but chances are it is an Exhibit-10 contract, which will allow Riley to spend the summer with the Pelicans and try to earn himself a role with the team.
Melvin Council Jr., Kansas
Council is a 24-year-old dynamic guard who spent last season with the Kansas Jayhawks following a nomadic collegiate career. He played his first two seasons at junior college before transferring first to Wagner College, then to St. Bonaventure University, and finally ending up in Kansas. He started 35 games in the backcourt next to No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson.
Chris Bell, California
Another Exhibit-10 contract the Pelicans signed right after the draft was small forward out of UC-Berkeley, Chris Bell, per Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers.
https://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/frontrunner-emerges-trade-ja-morant/758905
One frontrunner has surfaced to trade for the disgruntled Memphis Grizzlies star Morant, Sam Amick of The Athletic said this week on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” Amick said that the two main teams that he has heard in connection with Morant are the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings. Of those two teams, Amick added that he would “probably push it” in favor of the Pelicans.
Dumars helping expose the young core to the intensity, energy, physicality, and overall higher level of play that playoff basketball demands is a great leadership move. Not only is it great from an awareness perspective, but it can also create an itch in the players that makes them work harder so they can be part of it next season.
https://x.com/PelsFilmRoom/status/2059378267660910672/video/1
sources say New Orleans is exploring ways to move up in the back end of the first round,” Siegel wrote. “The Pelicans have called both the Lakers and Cavs about trading into the first round.
If we trade into the 1st round will be be drafting: Luigi Suigo
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/luigi-suigo-scouting-report
POSITION: C FROM: Italy HT: 7-3 3/4 WT: 289
BORN: NA YEAR: Int.07 WING: 7-5 1/2 REACH: 9-6
My choice for the Pelicans would be Walker Kessler.
Due to his contract demands maybe we could work out some kind of Missi/Kessler swap.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pelicans-herb-jones-see-massive-225032532.html
"Jones is considered an elite perimeter defender in the league who uses his length and instincts to cause havoc to opposing offenses. New Orleans hoped he would blossom into a consistent three-and-D player, but injuries and inconsistent shooting in the last couple of seasons have hindered his potential"
My personal opinion is that Bryce McGowens will benefit greatly from Jamahl Mosley being hired as HC.
https://pelicandebrief.com/pelicans-may-have-struck-gold-with-overlooked-two-way-player
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-second-round-prospects-pelicans-130715648.html
Miller is a highly intriguing developmental project. At 6'11" with perimeter skills, he possesses the length to switch defensively and shoots a high percentage around the basket, shooting 60% from two-point range last season.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2054984730836074872
Sharp made 309 three-pointers during his college career, shooting 37% from beyond the arc. The 6'4 guard also proved to be a nice on-ball defender after averaging 1.2 steals per game last year
The senior guard was an absolute menace on defense, averaging 2.6 steals per game in his final year of college.
"Following the 2025 NBA Draft, as ESPN gave New Orleans' rookie class an F grade.
With the three rookies’ first pro seasons coming to an end, they have flipped the script on the prior perception of the Pelicans 2025 class. In a recent Bleacher Report article, the rookie classes of all 30 NBA teams were given final grades, and New Orleans received an A."
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25418022-final-grades-every-nba-teams-2025-26-rookie-class