Former Magic Draft Pick Signs Deal With Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are far from making it to the playoffs this season, which was reassured by the team’s terrible start to the season due to significant injuries to the majority of their roster. Still, the Pelicans signed Mo Bamba to a 10-day deal to fill a remaining open roster spot today, giving the veteran center a chance to play out the rest of the season. Whether his future includes the Pelicans or if Bamba will be on the hunt for a new home during the summer remains to be seen. Regardless, he can play basketball again after recently being released by the Utah Jazz.

Former Magic Draft Pick Signs Deal With Pelicans

Mo Bamba Inks 10-Day Deal with the New Orleans Pelicans

ESPN’s Sham Charania reported Bamba’s signing in New Orleans (Twitter link). The former Los Angeles Clipper was a free agent after they traded him to Utah at the trade deadline in February. Bamba was part of a handful of big men available to sign anywhere but went a few weeks before finally being picked up. He opened the season with the Clippers, but his role was limited, averaging just 12 minutes a night. His production was heavily affected by his limited playing time. He managed only 4.6 points per game, accompanied by 4.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists. Bamba laced up for 28 games before the Clippers sent him to the Jazz. Of course, he had never played for Utah before he was released. 

Unfortunately, Bamba’s playing time in New Orleans will likely also be limited. He will slot in behind Yves Missi and Kelly Olynyk, who support Zion Williamson in the front court. Whether the Pelicans’ reasoning for signing Banaba was simply to fill their open roster spot or something else, it doesn’t change their season in any significant way.

From Last to Much Improved Next Year?

Entering the 2024-25 season, the Pelicans looked like a formidable, playoff-contending team on paper. Injuries struck hard and quickly, though, beginning in the pre-season. Once the regular season kicked off, notable players kept falling, and it didn’t stop. Apart from Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, CJ McCullum, and Jordan Hawkins have all spent time on ice throughout the season. While Brandon Ingram was still with the team, he also dealt with laboring injuries. New Orleans’s mass of injuries has undoubtedly produced their 17-48 record.

The current season was lost long ago, unfortunately. The Pelicans will have to regroup for next season. What the offseason has in store is another question. Could we see more significant roster changes to follow up Ingram’s departure? Where does Zion fit in it all? It will be an interesting summer in New Orleans, that’s for sure.