By Gee Bino | The Who Dat Daily
The Pelicans Summer League is nearly here, and New Orleans heads to Las Vegas with one of its youngest and most intriguing developmental groups in recent memory.
Following a disappointing winless Summer League campaign a year ago, the Pelicans are looking for a fresh start under assistant coach God Shammgod, who will make his debut as Summer League head coach. The week-long showcase will provide valuable opportunities for recent draft picks, two-way players, and undrafted free agents to compete for roster spots before training camp opens later this summer.
For New Orleans, the focus extends well beyond wins and losses. The organization wants to evaluate player development, identify rotation contributors, and determine who deserves a longer look heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
Pelicans Summer League 2026 Schedule
The Pelicans are guaranteed at least five games during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
| Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, July 9 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 2:30 PM | Prime Video / GCSEN |
| Saturday, July 11 | Charlotte Hornets | 3:00 PM | ESPN |
| Sunday, July 12 | Phoenix Suns | 2:00 PM | ESPN2 |
| Wednesday, July 15 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4:30 PM | Prime Video |
| July 17–19 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
All games will be played at Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.
Pelicans Summer League Roster
Draft Pick
- Jaron Pierre Jr. (G – SMU)
- 58th Overall Pick
- New Orleans native
- Looking to establish himself early after an impressive collegiate career.
Two-Way Players
- Hunter Dickinson (C/F – Kansas)
- Josh Oduro (F/C – Providence)
Undrafted Free Agents & Invites
Melvin Council Jr. (G – Kansas)
Dominique Daniels Jr. (G – California Baptist)
Shawn Phillips Jr. (C – Missouri)
Jordan Riley (G – East Carolina)
Solomon Washington (F – Maryland)
One of the biggest storylines entering Summer League is the leadership on the sidelines.
Assistant coach God Shammgod will serve as the Pelicans’ Summer League head coach for the first time. Widely respected throughout the NBA for his player development work, Shammgod now gets the opportunity to oversee an entire roster during live game competition.
His work with the organization’s young guards will be one of the most closely watched aspects of the tournament.
After an up-and-down rookie learning experience, Fears enters Las Vegas expected to handle significant on-ball responsibilities. Summer League offers him the chance to demonstrate improved decision-making, scoring efficiency, and leadership.
Jaron Pierre Jr.
The hometown guard returns to Louisiana basketball fans with an opportunity to show why the Pelicans invested the 58th overall pick in him. His perimeter shooting, confidence, and ability to adapt to NBA speed will be key storylines.
Hunter Dickinson
One of the most recognizable names on the roster, Dickinson brings size, experience, and polished offensive skills. Strong performances could strengthen his case for a larger NBA role.
Melvin Council Jr.
Council arrives after an impressive collegiate career built on athleticism, defensive intensity, and versatility. His ability to defend multiple positions could make him one of the tournament’s most intriguing players.
Chris Bell
Bell’s outside shooting gives him an opportunity to carve out a niche. If he consistently stretches the floor, he could quickly become one of New Orleans’ biggest Summer League surprises.
What the Pelicans Want to Learn
Summer League is less about the scoreboard and more about evaluation.
New Orleans will be looking for answers to several important questions:
Which young players can contribute immediately?
Who deserves additional development through a two-way contract?
Can the team’s young guards efficiently run the offense?
Which frontcourt players separate themselves defensively?
Who earns an invitation to remain with the organization after Summer League concludes?
With several back-end roster spots still open, strong performances in Las Vegas could directly impact training camp opportunities.
Big Q’s Early Stock Report
📈 Rising
- Jaron Pierre Jr.
- Melvin Council Jr.
👀 Worth Watching
- Chris Bell
- Hunter Dickinson
- Solomon Washington
💪 Opportunity Ahead
Josh Oduro
Final Thoughts
Jordan Riley
Shawn Phillips Jr.
Dominique Daniels Jr.
The 2026 Pelicans Summer League represents far more than a handful of games in Las Vegas. It serves as the first extended look at the organization’s newest talent and provides young players with an opportunity to earn their place in New Orleans’ long-term plans.
Whether it’s Jordan Riley taking the next step, hometown favorite Jaron Pierre Jr. making an early impression, or an undrafted free agent emerging as a surprise contributor, every possession will matter.
The Who Dat Daily will provide complete coverage throughout Summer League, including game recaps, player evaluations, stock reports, roster analysis, and the biggest takeaways from every matchup as the Pelicans continue building toward the 2026-27 NBA season.
About The Author
Gee Bino
Senior Writer | The Who Dat Daily
Gee Bino 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, player development, salary cap strategy, and breaking news coverage. Follow The Who Dat Daily for daily news, analysis, and exclusive team coverage.
