NBA Rumors: What Is Next For Pelicans After Promoting Young Veteran Forward?

New Orleans had only 13 players on a standard contract after not re-newing Malcolm Hill‘s 10-day deal. And Robinson-Earl was the logical choice, as the 23-year-old had played well for the Pelicans in his 21 appearances with the team. Particularly with Zion Williamson‘s injury history and the Pels’ being pretty shorthanded up front as it is.

Robinson-Earl averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10 minutes of his action over the 21 games. The 6-9 big man is long, athletic, and thrives on the glass. He can also space the floor with his shooting. Robinson-Earl has been very efficient this year, producing a shooting slash line of .517/.364/.909.

Robinson-Earl has three double-figure scoring games this season. He was the most effective in November when he saw consistent minutes.

Robinson-Earl is the 12th player this season to have his two-way contract converted. E.J. Liddell, Dru Smith, Dylan Windler, Skylar Mays, Joshua Primo, Vince Williams, GG Jackson, Keon Ellis, Lindy Waters III, Craig Porter Jr., and Duop Reath are the other players who have their contracts converted to a standard deal.

Robinson will make a prorated veteran minimum salary this year. Christian Clark of NOLA.com reports that next year’s contract is a team option.

What’s Next Forhttps: The Pelicans

Despite the addition of Robinson-Earl, the Pelicans still have a few open roster spots. The Pelicans have one spot on the 15-man roster and now has a two-way spot available.

New Orleans may be hesitant to add a 15th player because the Pelicans are close to the luxury tax threshold. But the Pelicans may eventually have to, as they may not have reserve guard Dyson Daniels‘ for the remainder of the season.

Daniels is likely out until at least the end of March after undergoing successful left knee surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus. But, according to The Athletic’s Will Guilloroy, coach Willie Green didn’t close the door on Daniels returning this season.

It is unlikely that the Pelicans trust Matt Ryan or Dereon Seaborn enough to give them minutes down the stretch.

However, New Orleans will likely fill its last two-way spot. The question is with whom?

The Pelicans’ G-League franchise, the Birmingham Squadron, has no real prospects other than Hill.

New Orleans is on pace to produce its second-best season in its history. The Pelicans are 33-22 on the season and are six games out of the top spot in the West. Still, the Pelicans are not assured of a playoff spot.

New Orleans is tied with the Phoenix Suns for fifth place. The Pelicans are three games behind third-place Denver. But they are also one game in front of seventh-place Dallas and one-and-one-half games ahead of Sacramento.

New Orleans opens the post-all-star break at home with three straight games. The Pelicans host Houston on Thursday; they then face Miami on Saturday and Chicago on Sunday.