After the New Orleans Pelicans acquired the No. 23 pick in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, it looks as if they could be out of roster spots after day 1 of the NBA draft. New Orleans has 13 players under contract right now, and with them now set to have two first-round picks, it is expected that the prospects they select will occupy the remaining two roster spots.
This spells disappointment for one breakout player from the 2024-25 season: Brandon Boston Jr. After spending three seasons with the LA Clippers, Boston signed a two-way contract to start last season with the Pelicans. But when the Pelicans got swarmed by the injury bug, Boston got his chance and made the most of it.
He appeared in 42 games for the Pelicans, averaging 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. These numbers earned him a two-year deal with a team option this offseason for $2.3 million. But despite having a great season, the chances of Boston being on the Pelicans' roster next season look slim.
Once again, the odds are stacked against Brandon Boston Jr.
Boston has faced adversity throughout his entire NBA career. From once being the fourth-ranked recruit in the 2020 class to a second-round pick, his career has been an uphill battle. Now, after coming off a career year at 23, he could find himself on the outside looking in when free agency opens.
If the rumors are true that the Pelicans plan on trying to trade up for a top 3 pick to select Ace Bailey, then New Orleans may have an open roster spot. They could decide to pick up Boston's option after all, but this is still unlikely because of the depth they have at the wing spot.
Thanks to the Taxpayer Midlevel Exception, the Pels are expected to have $5.7 million in spending money. If they have an extra roster spot, they'll likely prioritize bringing in a veteran over picking up Boston's option.
Losing Boston would sting, as at 23 years old, he showed flashes of becoming a high-value spark plug off the Pelicans' bench. His ability to handle the ball at 6'7" makes him an unreal threat offensively. Pairing that with his shot creation and shot-making ability, you have an ideal wing to come off your bench. Unfortunately, it appears unlikely he'll be with the Pelicans next season.
But after the way he broke out last season, Boston is deserving of a full-time role in the NBA next season, whether that comes with the Pelicans or elsewhere.