By Gee Bino | The Who Dat Daily
The Hunter Dickinson Pelicans partnership is entering an important new chapter.
After officially re-signing a two-way contract with New Orleans on July 4, the 7-foot-1 center returns with another opportunity to prove he belongs in the NBA. Rather than accepting lucrative offers overseas, Dickinson has doubled down on his dream of carving out a permanent role with the Pelicans.
His next proving ground begins in Las Vegas, where he’ll suit up for the Pelicans during the 2026 NBA Summer League under assistant coach God Shammgod. For Dickinson, every game represents another opportunity to show that one of college basketball’s most accomplished careers can translate to the professional level.
Betting on Himself
Many players in Dickinson’s position choose a different path.
After going undrafted despite an outstanding collegiate career, he could have pursued a lucrative contract in Europe, where traditional low-post centers remain highly valued. Instead, Dickinson chose patience over immediate financial security.
By signing another two-way contract, he will split time between the Pelicans and the Laketown Squadron while remaining eligible to appear in up to 50 NBA games during the 2026–27 season.
That decision reflects confidence in his ability to continue developing within New Orleans’ organization.
One of College Basketball’s Most Decorated Centers
Few players entered professional basketball with a résumé as impressive as Dickinson’s.
Across three standout seasons at Michigan and two more at Kansas, he consistently averaged near a double-double while establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier post scorers.
At 7-foot-1 and 271 pounds, Dickinson became known for:
Elite post footwork
Soft touch around the rim
Excellent passing from the low block
High basketball IQ
Outstanding defensive rebounding
Strong leadership and experience
Those attributes helped him become one of the most productive big men in recent college basketball history.
Why Did Hunter Dickinson Go Undrafted?
The biggest surprise surrounding Dickinson wasn’t his production—it was hearing his name never called during the 2025 NBA Draft.
His résumé certainly suggested draft-worthy talent, but the modern NBA has evolved dramatically.
Several concerns ultimately caused teams to pass.
Defensive Mobility
Today’s NBA offenses force centers to defend in space against quicker guards.
Scouts questioned whether Dickinson possessed the lateral quickness necessary to survive in switch-heavy defensive systems.
Old-School Playing Style
Dickinson thrives with his back to the basket.
While that skill remains valuable, NBA front offices increasingly prioritize centers who sprint the floor, finish above the rim, and defend multiple positions.
His traditional offensive game created concerns about overall fit.
Outside Shooting
Although Dickinson flashed perimeter shooting during college, evaluators questioned whether he could consistently stretch NBA defenses.
His brief rookie stint did little to answer those questions after he finished 0-for-4 from three-point range in limited NBA action.
Developing a reliable outside shot remains one of the biggest keys to unlocking a larger role.
Age
Entering the draft at 24 years old also worked against him.
NBA organizations often prefer younger prospects with perceived developmental upside, even when older players are more polished.
Fair or unfair, Dickinson’s age became part of the evaluation process.
A New Opportunity in Las Vegas
Summer League represents much more than exhibition basketball.
For Dickinson, it’s another chance to demonstrate measurable growth.
The Pelicans coaching staff will likely focus on several areas:
Defensive Improvement
Can he hold his own defending pick-and-roll actions?
Can he recover effectively when pulled away from the basket?
Conditioning
Improved mobility could dramatically change how NBA teams evaluate his long-term potential.
Three-Point Shooting
If Dickinson can consistently knock down open perimeter shots, he immediately becomes a more intriguing fit in today’s NBA.
Rim Protection
Using his size more effectively around the basket could help offset concerns about his foot speed.
How Does He Fit the Pelicans?
One reason New Orleans continues investing in Dickinson is his offensive skill set.
Few centers on the roster possess his combination of size, touch, and passing ability.
If he continues improving defensively while extending his shooting range, Dickinson could eventually provide a different offensive dimension than the Pelicans’ other frontcourt options.
His experience also makes him a valuable mentor for younger players developing within the organization.
What Success Looks Like
Success shouldn’t be measured solely by points.
Instead, Pelicans coaches will likely evaluate:
Defensive positioning
Screen setting
Rebounding consistency
Passing decisions
Floor spacing
Conditioning
Overall effort
If Dickinson excels in those areas, his role could expand significantly throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
The Hunter Dickinson Pelicans story isn’t about proving he can dominate college basketball—that chapter has already been written.
Now it’s about proving he can adapt.
By turning down overseas opportunities and recommitting to a two-way contract with New Orleans, Dickinson has made it clear he’s willing to earn his place the hard way.
The 2026 Las Vegas Summer League offers another opportunity to showcase his growth under God Shammgod and continue building toward a full-time NBA role.
For the Pelicans, Dickinson remains one of the organization’s most intriguing long-term development projects. The next step begins in Las Vegas.
About The Author
Gee Bino
Senior Writer | The Who Dat Daily
is a senior writer and columnist for The Who Dat Daily, covering the New Orleans Saints, Pelicans, LSU athletics, and the Gulf South sports landscape. He specializes in roster construction, salary cap strategy, player development, and breaking news coverage.
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