What's Happening?
The New Orleans Pelicans have signed Julian Reese, an undrafted forward, to a two-way contract, filling their final roster spot. Reese, who previously played with the Washington Wizards and in the G League, averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in 13
games for the Wizards last season. He recorded eight double-doubles during his stint with Washington, including four games with at least 15 points and 15 rebounds. After being traded to the Denver Nuggets and subsequently waived, Reese became an unrestricted free agent. This signing is part of the Pelicans' broader effort to address their frontcourt concerns, which were evident in the previous season. The team has also signed Christian Shumate and Christian Koloko to training camp deals and Trendon Watford to a one-year deal.
Why It's Important?
This move is significant for the Pelicans as they aim to improve their defensive rebounding and paint defense, areas where they struggled previously. While Reese is considered undersized for a traditional paint role at 6-foot-9, his motor and rebounding ability are seen as valuable assets. His addition provides the team with low-cost insurance and depth at the forward position, particularly given the team's history of injuries. Reese is expected to spend considerable time with the Pelicans' G League affiliate, Laketown Squadron, to further develop his skills and be ready if called upon for the main roster. This strategy allows the Pelicans to evaluate his potential translation to the NBA game without a significant financial commitment.
What's Next?
Julian Reese will likely begin his tenure with the Laketown Squadron, the Pelicans' G League affiliate, where he will have ample opportunities to hone his skills and demonstrate his value. His performance in the G League will determine if and when he gets called up to the main roster, particularly if injuries affect the Pelicans' frontcourt. The Pelicans will be observing how his rebounding prowess and energy translate to a more competitive environment. The team's coaching staff, led by defensive-minded head coach Jamahl Mosley, will work on integrating Reese into their system and potentially developing his offensive game, especially his three-point shooting, which was a weakness in his college and G League career.
Beyond the Headlines
The signing of Julian Reese highlights a common strategy in the NBA where teams utilize two-way contracts to develop promising, undrafted talent. This approach allows players to gain professional experience and refine their game in the G League while remaining under the NBA team's control. For the Pelicans, this move reflects a commitment to addressing specific roster weaknesses through player development and strategic acquisitions. It also underscores the increasing importance of versatile big men in the modern NBA, even if Reese's current skill set doesn't perfectly align with the 'stretch-four' archetype. His success will depend on his ability to adapt and expand his game, particularly his shooting, to complement players like Zion Williamson and Derik Queen without clogging the lane.
