SportSpyder - The Latest New Orleans Pelicans News

07 October 2025

• [Hoops Wire] - NBA Notes: Cavs, Lonzo Ball, Pelicans, Magic
  Cavaliers In case you missed it earlier, the Cavaliers are taking a cautious approach to Lonzo Ball’s workload this fall. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com offered more details. Basically, the veteran point guard will be limited to about 20 minutes per night and won’t play both ends of back-to-back sets — at least early in the […] The post appeared first on .
• [Last Word on Sports] - Pelicans Make Two Roster Cuts Paving Way For Young Guard To Secure Last Roster Spot
  The made over the weekend by playing a pair of exhibition games in . The Pelicans went 2-0 against Australian professional teams, but suffered a concerning leg injury. coach has to be pleased with his new look team's performance. It wasn't important in the grand scheme of things that the won both of their games, as they were the more talented squad. However, the Pelicans played well defensively, and appeared to be in superb shape. Additionally, Williamson and , who are expected to be the faces of the franchise, complemented each other well in their preseason game. "It was electric," . "The fans were in tune. They were engaged. It was a really great platform to come here and play high-level competition." Pelicans Make Two Roster Cuts, Paving Way For Young Guard To Secure Last Roster Spot New Orleans is coming off one of its worst seasons in franchise history. As a result, the Pelicans have decided to continue retooling their roster with Williamson and Murphy II being the focal point. The Pels have six newcomers on standard contracts with one open spot. As a result of the roster upheaval and Williamson and Murphy combining to play 415 minutes together, Green has a lot to figure out. New Orleans defeated Melbourne United (107-97) and South East Melbourne (127-92), improving the record against NBL squads to 26-1 since the NBA vs. NBL series started in 2015. , , and sat out both contests as they are recovering from injuries. Jones, though the Pelicans don't play again until October 14, so there is plenty of time to recover. Queen is still recovering from wrist surgery three months ago and is likely to miss the start of the regular season. Meanwhile, Murray is still recovering from an Achilles injury and is expected to be out until at least New Year's. , who tallied 18 points and three steals against Melbourne United, missed the contest against South East Melbourne due to left foot soreness. However, the bigger concern is . Jose Alvarado's Injury Alvarado has established himself as a valuable reserve for the Pelicans over the past few seasons despite being unable to stay healthy. The 27-year-old point guard, coming off a career season, left the third quarter against South East Melbourne due to an apparent knee injury. Alvarado stayed down for an extended period as the medical staff evaluated his right knee. Once Alvarado got up, he limped to the locker room under his own power. He is slated to be reevaluated when the team returns to New Orleans. Alvarado only played in 56 games last season, including 23 starts, marking the second straight season he has failed to play at least 60 games. Alvarado is expected to be's primary backup, though the Pels did add depth with 2025 No. 7 pick . He played well in Australia, averaging 5.5 points on 60% shooting and 2.5 assists in 15.5 minutes per game. Who Could Benefit From Alavarado's Projected Absence? [caption id="attachment_161745" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images[/caption] Any time Alvarado misses will put a pinch on the Pelicans' backcourt depth, as Murray already is sidelined. If Alvarado can't go on opening night, which is 16 days away, it may give the upper hand on the Pelicans' last roster spot. Fears will turn 19 on October 14 and likely needs some time adjusting to the NBA. So, he could spend time with the Pelicans G-League squad, Birmingham Squadron. Fears struggled mightily in his debut, particularly with his shooting, shot selection, and ball handling. He was better in Game 2 as he scored 12 points, on 5 of 10 shooting, and three assists, along with two turnovers. Jaden Springer Appears To Have Secured The Pelicans' Last Roster Spot Coming into training camp. It was thought that Springer was competing with Jalen McDaniels for the Pelicans' last roster spot. Both players were training camp deals. However, the Pelicans announced early this evening that McDaniels and have been waived. Springer's deal calls for him to make $2.4 million. The Pelicans are $5.9 million below the hard cap at the first tax line, so if Springer makes the club, he will eat into that number. Expect that Springer's deal will be non-guaranteed. Springer is just 23 but has already played 170 games over four seasons. Springer appeared in 43 games with Utah and Boston last year, although he saw just nine minutes of action. After sitting out the first game with an ankle ailment, Springer scored five points on 50% shooting, grabbed four rebounds, and doled out two assists in eight minutes of action against SE Melbourne. If Springer does indeed make the club, he could take some minutes away from Fears, assuming Alvarado misses time. Springer is athletic, plays hard, and defends the perimeter. He is not a huge scoring threat and lacks polish on the offensive end. Meanwhile, McDaniels has spent 252 games in the NBA, although he spent most of last season in the G League. McDaniels did see a few minutes in four contests with Washington last season. He saw 15...
• [Locked On Pelicans] - Gayle Benson Gives Update on Pelicans Lease and Smoothie King Center | Pelicans waive two players
  Are the New Orleans Pelicans gearing up for a major transformation? The Smoothie King Center's future and roster shakeups signal big changes ahead.Jake Madis...
• [NOLA] - New Orleans Pelicans waive 2 players signed in early September
  The New Orleans Pelicans waive a pair of players signed in September.
• [Hoops Rumors] - Pelicans Cut Garrison Brooks, Jalen McDaniels
  The Pelicans have cut Exhibit 10 training camp signings Garrison Brooks and Jalen McDaniels, New Orleans has revealed (Twitter link). Both seasoned forwards are now likely to link up with the Pelicans’ G League club, the Birmingham Squadron, on affiliate deals. If Brooks and McDaniels can stay rostered with Birmingham for at least 60 days, […]
• [NBA] - Pelicans 2025 preseason profile: Trey Murphy
  “The sky’s the limit,” fifth-year head coach Willie Green said of the 25-year-old’s upside. "We’re expecting a huge year from him.”
• [FOX 8] - Pelicans waive Brooks and McDaniels, trimming roster down to 19
  New Orleans’ roster now stands at 19, including three two-way players.
• [NBA Analysis Network] - What Jeremiah Fears is doing already for the New Orleans Pelicans is ‘extremely difficult’, says Willie Green
  Some great stuff from the rookie! 👏
• [Fansided: Pelican Debrief] - Pelicans desperately need former lottery pick to silence the bust talk
  The New Orleans Pelicans desperately need a former lottery pick to turn the corner and silence the whispers of bust status.
• [Sports Illustrated] - Zion Williamson Expecting a Promising Pelicans Player to Step Up This Season
  The New Orleans Pelicans have focused on adding depth to the roster, supporting their returning healthy players in Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert