The Pelicans bet on a player everyone had forgotten: successful comeback or huge mistake?
Apr 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Jalen McDaniels (2) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans have officially signed Jalen McDaniels, according to ESPN. The 6’9″ forward, who has six years of NBA experience, fills the last available roster spot under Willie Green after a particularly challenging 2024-2025 season.
BREAKING: New Orleans Pelicans have signed Jalen McDaniels to a one-year NBA deal.
McDaniels, 27, has averaged 6.7 PPG & 3.3 RPG in 18.1 MPG in 6 seasons.
How will he fit in NOLA? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WoBZ2aYl0a
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) August 18, 2025
An up-and-down journey since Charlotte
Drafted 52nd overall in 2019, Jalen McDaniels began his professional career in Charlotte as a backup. It was with the Hornets where he had his best performances before his career path became complicated. His stints with Philadelphia, where he was traded during the 2022-2023 season, and Toronto in 2023-2024, didn’t allow him to establish himself permanently.
Last season was particularly difficult for McDaniels, who played only four games with the Washington Wizards, spending most of his time in G-League with the Capital City Go-Go. Despite these recent struggles, Jaden McDaniels’ older brother maintains respectable career statistics with 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds on average over 252 NBA games.
A bounce-back opportunity in New Orleans
Joe Dumars and his technical staff clearly see something special in McDaniels. The San Diego State product presents an interesting profile for the Pelicans with his defensive versatility and ability to space the floor. With a career 32.2% three-point shooting percentage, he particularly shined during his 24 games with Philadelphia in 2023, shooting 40% from long range.
Pelicans fans have had mixed reactions on social media to this signing. While some see it as « an excellent deal for the Pelicans » and the arrival of a « good veteran, » others doubt the player’s abilities after his lost season.
This signing gives McDaniels a chance to revive his NBA career. At 26, he still has the time and physical qualities to establish himself in Willie Green’s rotation, known for developing perimeter defenders.
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