The New Orleans Pelicans have reached an agreement to sign free agent guard Jaylen Nowell, league sources told ESPN on Saturday. The move comes as the Pelicans grapple with a slew of early-season injuries that have decimated their depth.
Pelicans’ Injury Woes Mount
New Orleans has been hit hard by the injury bug to start the 2024-25 campaign. Their prized offseason acquisition, point guard Dejounte Murray, is expected to miss an additional 3-5 weeks after fracturing his hand in the season opener. Starting shooting guard CJ McCollum has a right adductor strain that will likely sideline him for 2-3 weeks.
The Pelicans’ perimeter depth took another hit with Herb Jones suffering a right shoulder strain and partial rotator cuff tear. He could be out anywhere from two weeks to a month. Promising second-year wing Trey Murphy III has yet to suit up this season due to a lingering hamstring issue.
Nowell Provides Backcourt Reinforcement
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Off the bench, second-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation. The 20-year-old Aussie is stuffing the stat sheet with 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 stocks (steals+blocks) in just 24.2 minutes a night. His energy and defensive prowess have been vital.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Off the bench, second-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation. The 20-year-old Aussie is stuffing the stat sheet with 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 stocks (steals+blocks) in just 24.2 minutes a night. His energy and defensive prowess have been vital.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Lost in the injury discourse has been the stellar play of the Pelicans’ supporting cast. Veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is averaging a double-double with 15.5 points and 11.0 rebounds. He’s shooting a scorching 46.2% from deep on decent volume.
Off the bench, second-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation. The 20-year-old Aussie is stuffing the stat sheet with 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 stocks (steals+blocks) in just 24.2 minutes a night. His energy and defensive prowess have been vital.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Lost in the injury discourse has been the stellar play of the Pelicans’ supporting cast. Veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is averaging a double-double with 15.5 points and 11.0 rebounds. He’s shooting a scorching 46.2% from deep on decent volume.
Off the bench, second-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation. The 20-year-old Aussie is stuffing the stat sheet with 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 stocks (steals+blocks) in just 24.2 minutes a night. His energy and defensive prowess have been vital.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Amid this injury onslaught, the Pelicans have turned to the 24-year-old Nowell to provide some much-needed backcourt depth and scoring punch. The 6-foot-4 combo guard spent his first four NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before splitting time between the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies in 2023-24.
Jaylen is a talented scorer who can create his own shot. He’ll give us another dynamic offensive threat to pair with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
– Source close to the Pelicans organization
For his career, Nowell has averaged a solid 8.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 19.7 minutes per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. He figures to step into the rotation right away and could even vie for a starting spot while McCollum and others mend.
Pelicans Treading Water Despite Injuries
Remarkably, even with so many key contributors in street clothes, the Pelicans have managed to stay afloat in the early going. Behind the All-NBA exploits of Williamson and Ingram, they’ve scraped their way to a respectable 3-3 start.
The Pels rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency thus far. Williamson appears to have regained his rookie year form, bulldozing to the tune of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on blistering 61.8% shooting. Ingram has been his typical smooth self, pouring in 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 dimes a night.
Remaining Pelicans Roster Stepping Up
Lost in the injury discourse has been the stellar play of the Pelicans’ supporting cast. Veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is averaging a double-double with 15.5 points and 11.0 rebounds. He’s shooting a scorching 46.2% from deep on decent volume.
Off the bench, second-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation. The 20-year-old Aussie is stuffing the stat sheet with 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 stocks (steals+blocks) in just 24.2 minutes a night. His energy and defensive prowess have been vital.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
Amid this injury onslaught, the Pelicans have turned to the 24-year-old Nowell to provide some much-needed backcourt depth and scoring punch. The 6-foot-4 combo guard spent his first four NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before splitting time between the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies in 2023-24.
Jaylen is a talented scorer who can create his own shot. He’ll give us another dynamic offensive threat to pair with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
– Source close to the Pelicans organization
For his career, Nowell has averaged a solid 8.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 19.7 minutes per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. He figures to step into the rotation right away and could even vie for a starting spot while McCollum and others mend.
Pelicans Treading Water Despite Injuries
Remarkably, even with so many key contributors in street clothes, the Pelicans have managed to stay afloat in the early going. Behind the All-NBA exploits of Williamson and Ingram, they’ve scraped their way to a respectable 3-3 start.
The Pels rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency thus far. Williamson appears to have regained his rookie year form, bulldozing to the tune of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on blistering 61.8% shooting. Ingram has been his typical smooth self, pouring in 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 dimes a night.
Remaining Pelicans Roster Stepping Up
Lost in the injury discourse has been the stellar play of the Pelicans’ supporting cast. Veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is averaging a double-double with 15.5 points and 11.0 rebounds. He’s shooting a scorching 46.2% from deep on decent volume.
Off the bench, second-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation. The 20-year-old Aussie is stuffing the stat sheet with 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 stocks (steals+blocks) in just 24.2 minutes a night. His energy and defensive prowess have been vital.
Offseason trade acquisitions Garrett Temple and Larry Nance Jr. have also provided a veteran steadiness. Temple is canning 48.0% of his threes while Nance is gobbling up rebounds and anchoring the defense in his minutes.
The Road Ahead
The Pelicans will be hoping that this current seven-game homestand can help them weather the injury storm. After hosting the Grizzlies on Monday, they welcome in the struggling Rockets, Thunder, and Magic. Taking care of business against those lesser lights would go a long way.
New Orleans then faces a tough back-to-back against the Heat and surging Celtics to close out the homestand. By then, McCollum could be nearing a return, with Jones and Murphy not too far behind. If they can tread water over these next two weeks, reinforcements should be on the way.
The Pelicans came into this season with justifiably high expectations after their playoff run in 2023-24. While injuries have thrown a wrench into their early plans, this deep, talented roster appears equipped to handle adversity. The addition of Nowell, plus impending healthy returns, should keep New Orleans squarely in the mix out West.
