With the New Orleans Pelicans set to tip off their 2025-26 season Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, they have finally signed their 15th man to the roster. After signing an Exhibit 9 deal (training camp contract) with the Pelicans, 23-year-old guard Jaden Springer has signed a standard regular-season deal. The deal was initially reported Saturday evening by NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jaden Springer has made the team, league sources told @hoopshype. Springer has played four NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Utah Jazz. pic.twitter.com/ZQSKOr6lpe
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 18, 2025
Throughout the preseason, Springer dealt with injuries that limited his appearances, but in his 12 minutes of action, he totaled five points, four rebounds, and three assists. He was also very efficient from the field and three, shooting 2-4 from the field and 1-1 from beyond the arc. While Springer played limited minutes during the preseason, he brings a reputation as an athletic, scrappy defensive guard who was part of a championship-winning team in 2024 with the Boston Celtics.
Very few people are bigger fans of Springer than I am. I love that he revolves his game around being a hustler. Whether it’s fighting over screens, diving for loose balls, or jumping passing lanes, he does it all. He plays with the same energy and grit that Kevon Looney brings to this team.
Springer could finally get the chances he’s been waiting his whole career for
Through his four-year career, he’s only logged 110 games, so his stats aren’t very relevant to who he is or what he could be for this Pelicans squad this season. Looking at the teams Springer has been on, like the Philadelphia, Boston, and most recently Utah, all three of those teams have legit guys they can count on at guard or are trying to develop. So it’s understandable as to why he’s never really gotten his number called to be a real part of any of those teams' rotations.
That’s not the case for the Pelicans, as their backup point guard to start the year will likely be rookie Jeremiah Fears. Fears will definitely have his moments, but he is also expected to battle with being consistent. This can create an opening for Springer to come in and prove to Willie Green, whose defensive-minded coaching style caters to his playstyle.
His strong frame allows him to hang with wings on the perimeter and when posted up, which is another thing that opens a door for him on this team. Aside from Saddiq Bey, the Pelicans lack depth and experience off the bench in the wing department and could go to Springer in smaller lineup combinations.
Overall, I think the decision to bring in Jaden Springer with their final roster spot is the right call, and I believe New Orleans is the perfect place for him to finally establish himself as a real name in the league.