Former New Orleans Pelicans big Joshua Oduro has decided to take his talents overseas, joining Melbourne United and departing the Big Easy after two years with the organization. The 25-year-old was a key piece of the Pelicans' G League affiliate over the last two seasons and averaged 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 87 games. He even had a short stint in the NBA in the final three regular-season games of last season, averaging 8.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 64.7 percent from the field.
Oduro wasn’t a household NBA name, which is likely why he’s taking a payday overseas rather than staying put on a two-way deal. That being said, losing Oduro and the help he could provide the Pelicans in the 50 games two-way players are eligible to play is a tough break.
He was a hard-nosed forward who could play both frontcourt spots, was an efficient play finisher, and was a really strong rebounder for a 6-foot-9 player. The Pelicans are already thin in the frontcourt, and Oduro would’ve been just another player who could provide size and give them another look in the paint.
Rebounding continues to be an overlooked flaw
The Pelicans have had a rebounding problem for some time and will continue to see that be a trend with a 6-foot-6 power forward in Zion Williamson as a starter. Now, obviously, a career G Leaguer like Oduro wouldn’t just come in and make all of the team's rebounding problems disappear, but he can help on the margins. At the end of last season, Oduro grabbed 12 rebounds against the Boston Celtics, including six on the offensive glass. He brings energy and a toughness to the glass that allows him to bruise, bang, and outwill opponents on the glass.
I still think this team needs to pair Zion Williamson with a Daniel Gafford-type of center, someone who just eats rebounds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the more help they could get off the bench or in random games throughout the season, the better chance this team has to compete and win games.Â
Last season, we saw with Bryce McGowens how valuable it is to have players on two-way deals that fill an area of need. He came in when the team was banged up and searching for answers and was a floor spacer and connector that the Pelicans needed. I could’ve seen Oduro doing similar things in 2026-27 if New Orleans brought him back on a two-way deal.
Instead, it seems like the Pelicans' focus with their remaining roster space is to bring in another guard after the team announced Kobe Bufkin has been signed to a training camp deal. Maybe with Zion in incredible health, he’ll take a step as a rebounder, or Yves Missi and Derik Queen will step forward in that department. But if not, having Josh Oduro off the bench could have been a nice safety net.
Add us as a preferred source on Google