With training camp coming so ever closer, there is going to be a ton of sign-and-waive moves done by all 30 NBA teams. The sign and waive model allows a team to acquire the G League rights of players who may not be ready for their main roster. The Pelicans recently made a sign-and-waive move by bringing in Jeremiah Fears' college teammate Jalon Moore.
The Pelicans' decision to sign Moore was initially puzzling, given his expected absence from next season due to injury. However, Joe Dumars soon waived him, indicating that the move was made strictly to acquire his G League rights.
That takes me to Christian Shumate, who was picked up on a training camp deal by New Orleans after Moore was waived. Now, Shumate could compete for a roster spot as New Orleans is still heading into next season with only 14 players on standard deals, but that seems unlikely. I expect in the coming days to see that Shumate is waived as well, so the Pelicans can acquire his G League rights.
Shumate is new to the Pelicans
If you're unfamiliar with his game, he is a gritty 6'5" wing who attended the a local Louisiana university, McNeese State, and helped lead the Cowboys to their program's first NCAA tournament win in 2025. McNeese State also happens to be Joe Dumars' alma mater.
Shumate was also a part of the Pelicans Summer League squad, so he already has familiarity with the organization and coaching staff. During his time in Vegas, he was one of the players who stood out most to me for the Pelicans. His box score averages were nothing crazy, but his impact was huge. He ranked 3rd in the team in rebounds with 6.0 per game, which, for a 6'5" wing, speaks volumes about the hustle he plays with.
When I saw the news that the Pelicans were bringing Shumate back, I was ecstatic after seeing his play in the NCAA tournament and then Summer League. I fell in love with his unique style of play. You don't see players like him anymore —guys who aren't really a threat from outside but still have such a high impact on the game.
Whether Christian Shumate earns a standard contract or is just a sign-and-waive player that will be in the G League this season, I'm just grateful he is going to have some sort of tie to the organization this season and in the future.