With the New Orleans Pelicans wrapping up their international preseason play, it’s a good time to reflect on what we’ve learned. Zion Williamson looks the best he’s ever looked, both from a physical standpoint and a playing standpoint. Jordan Poole’s shot creation is going to help this group immensely. Saddiq Bey is going to be an elite role player for this group. Jeremiah Fears is raw, but the potential is there, and this team has some great options at the five for the first time in a while.
One other thing I’ve learned is that Christian Shumate deserves this team's final roster spot.
If you’ve been following my work for some time, you know how I feel about Shumate. I love his heart, his hustle, his story, and the energy he brings to the court on both ends. The former McNeese State Cowboy has been a standout in his limited minutes for the Pelicans while they were down under.
During Summer League, the 6’5 forward was a beast on the boards, and that’s a trend that’s carried over to preseason. 95 percent of rebounding is hustling. How willing are you to outwork your opponent on that one play to either start the fast break or keep the play alive? Hustling is Shumate’s bread and butter, which is why he is such a beast on the glass.
In his 11 minutes this preseason, he’s had 6 rebounds 4 on the defensive glass and 2 on the offensive glass. That's nearly half a rebound a minute, which for someone of his size is really impressive.
He’s more than just an undersized rebounder
The 23-year-old is an incredible athlete who is known to have highlight dunks. When he sees the rim alone, you better watch out because he’s going to rock it, which he did against Melbourne United in the preseason opener. His shooting definitely needs some work, as during his collegiate career, he was a career sub-30 percent three-point shooter, but for now, I think he can get away with it because of the hustle he plays with.
Defensively, Shumate is also a plus defender whom the Pelicans' coaching staff can trust to help get stops on that end of the floor and generate turnovers. His athleticism enables him to play as both a rim protector and shot blocker.
He gives me Jae'Sean Tate vibes. If you remember, he was an undrafted rookie who worked his butt off and earned a spot with Houston because of his hustle, energy, and ability as a defender.
Out of the four players the Pelicans have on training camp deals, Jalen McDaniels, Jaden Springer, Garrison Brooks, and Shumate, he’s been playing the best and fits the timeline the most. He fits into the young core and the DNA that Joe Dumars has, which is defense and toughness.
I really hope the Pelicans give him a standard deal because he’s earned it and has all the makings of a rotation player and fan favorite.