New Orleans Pelicans: 2 roster longshots to watch in training camp

The New Orleans Pelicans’ roster could change after training camp.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been busy this offseason. They’ve changed coaches, made a splashy trade, drafted a high-ceiling player and added a few low-cost free agents.

The roster is pretty much set at this point, as the Pelicans have 14 regular season contracts if you include the partially guaranteed deal of Willy Hernangomez.

The Pels also have two two-way contracts and four training camp contracts after the recent addition of Rawle Alkins.

New Orleans Pelicans: Final training camp roster

So the final training camp roster will include the 14 regulars:

Zion Williamson

Brandon Ingram

Lonzo Ball

Eric Bledsoe

Steven Adams

JJ Redick

Josh Hart

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Kira Lewis Jr.

Nicolo Melli

Sindarius Thornwell

Jaxson Hayes

Wenyen Gabriel

Willy Hernangomez

It will also include two-way players Naji Marshall and Will Magnay, and the four training camp spots will be filled by Jarrod Uthoff, Tony Carr, Ike Anigbogu and Rawle Alkins.

New Orleans Pelicans: 2 longshots to make the final roster

The Pelicans probably won’t have an open roster spot unless they make a trade, which still could happen but is getting less likely.

They’d have to waive one of the 14 players above, which also could happen since most of them are making very little and Hernangomez’s contract is only partially guaranteed. It’s a longshot, but possible.

Here are two guys most likely to do it.

Naji Marshall

I’ve written that Marshall could end up being one of the steals of the draft if he can defend at a high level. With little wing depth, the Pels could use a guy with some size who can defend.

Marshall is already 22-years-old, so is experienced for a rookie and already has an NBA frame at 6-foot-7, 220 lbs. If Stan Van Gundy is impressed by his hustle and defensive versatility, he could find a spot on the roster.

Marshall would probably need to show a better shot as well after shooting below 30 percent for his career in college.

Rawle Alkins

I wrote that Alkins should help in training camp even if he doesn’t end up making the team. He is a big, strong combo guard/wing who can defend all over the place and should bring some intensity to the competition.

Stan Van Gundy will prioritize defense and if Alkins shows he can play it, he could have a spot, especially if he can use his strength to defend bigger guys.

The New Orleans Pelicans should have an interesting training camp with some new faces who will hopefully inject some intensity into a team that needs it.