Things in the NBA have been really quiet lately, as many teams are running out of open roster spots as they prepare for the start of training camp. For the New Orleans Pelicans, the hottest topic has been who Joe Dumars will sign with the team's final roster spot. That question may have just been answered.
ESPN's Shams Charania has reported that the New Orleans Pelicans and Free agent forward Jalen McDaniels have agreed to a deal. McDaniels is a six-year pro who has averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds over his career.
It's unclear whether McDaniels was signed to a training camp deal or is being brought in with the Pelicans' final roster spot. However, the fact that Shams reported this move makes me believe it's a standard NBA contract and not a training camp deal. Sources as big as Shams typically don't report training camp deals, as that news normally comes directly from the team.
McDaniels also fits the type of player that I have been suggesting the Pelicans sign with their final roster spot. At 6'9", he has great positional size and versatility while also being a solid floor spacer throughout his career.
The Pelicans have been in need of another wing option outside of Saddiq Bey off the bench, and they may have just filled that need with the addition of McDaniels.
McDaniels has had solid NBA career and could be huge for the Pelicans' second unit
All offseason, I pitched the idea of the Pelicans signing Amir Coffey, who, as we all know, ended up with the Bucks. I liked Coffey for New Orleans because of his size at 6'8", his defensive instincts, and his elite three-point shooting. McDaniels fits that same mold, especially as a defender.
His size helps him hold his own against both guards, wings, and bigs. Throughout his career, he has a per-36 average of 1.3 steals per game, highlighting his ability to be a disruptor in the passing lanes. McDaniels obviously isn't an Herb Jones-level defender, but he is good enough to hold his own and pull off some stops.
McDaniels is a career 32.2% three-point shooter. Although he's had stretches where he's been great, like his 24 games with the 76ers in 2023, where he shot 40% from three, he's never been a consistent threat from deep. To become an important part of this group's rotation next season, he'll have to find a consistent rhythm from deep.
This upcoming season is going to be a big one for McDaniels, as he only spent four games in the NBA last season on a 10-day contract with the Wizards. Joe Dumars is proving he and his staff see something in the former San Diego State Aztec, and hopefully, it pays off for the Pelicans.