The New Orleans Pelicans took an interesting approach to summer league, as the front office decided to enter their time in Vegas with all three of their two-way contract spots filled. This strategy by Joe Dumars has completely backfired and is now costing the fans the chance to embrace a new fan favorite.
When New Orleans announced its summer league roster, one name stood out among the rest: Christian Shumate. The soon-to-be 23-year-old wing was the face of a local Louisiana university last season, McNeese State. Shumate led the Cowboys to their first NCAA tournament victory in program history this past season when they knocked off the Clemson Tigers.
So, when the Pelicans announced their roster, many fans were familiar with Shumate's gritty, athletic playing style because he had played for a local program. In his three Summer League appearances, the 6'5" wing is third on the team in rebounds per game with 6.7 per game, only behind Yves Missi and Derik Queen. The way he attacks the offensive glass, especially, is impressive. During his time in Vegas, I've seen him battle off three guys to get an offensive rebound and create a second chance for New Orleans.
Shumate's energy has been contagious on both ends, and if he were able to display it on a bigger stage, Pelicans fans would fall in love with him. He plays so hard and never gives up on any play, which is part of the reason his rebounding numbers are so impressive. The impact he brings when on the floor has been reflected well through his plus, as against the Trail Blazers, he led the Pelicans with a +13.
However, the chances of Shumate being on the Pelicans roster next season are extremely low because, although he has played with a ton of heart and intensity, he hasn't shown enough to secure a full-scale NBA contract. That being said, he is exactly the type of guy teams sign to two-way deals, but the Pelicans won't be able to do that since Dumars has already used them all.
Joe Dumars jumped the gun
This is no shade to Trey Alexander, as he is coming off an incredible year in the G League and is much more NBA-ready than Shumate. The same goes for Lester Quinones, who has been around the NBA for three seasons and is a good use of a two-way slot. However, the same can't be said for Hunter Dickinson as Dumars very clearly jumped the gun by signing him following the 2025 NBA draft.
The 24-year-old big man from Kansas has been mediocre in the summer league so far, as he has been way too slow to keep up defensively. As far as offense goes, his skill set is too limited, and he hasn't shown any flashes that suggest he'll be a rotational player in the NBA.
The fact that Shumate, who is 8 inches shorter than Dickinson, is averaging more rebounds is a prime reason why Dumars' giving Dickinson a two-way contract was a mistake.
Shumate has all the traits of a potential fan favorite, as his athleticism always creates highlight dunks, and his defensive pressure and hustle are something fans would fall in love with. That being said, because Dumars decided to use all of the Pelicans' two-way spots, he'll likely have to go become a fan favorite somewhere else.