By Gee Bino | The Who Dat Daily

The Pelicans Summer League roster is officially set, giving New Orleans fans their first extended look at the organization’s young talent under the direction of new assistant coach God Shammgod.

While the roster doesn’t feature many household names, it does provide an intriguing mix of former NBA draft picks, experienced college stars, defensive specialists, and several players looking to earn training camp invitations. With only Micah Peavy logging meaningful NBA minutes during the 2025-26 season, this Summer League squad will largely serve as an evaluation camp for President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and head coach Jamahl Mosley.

Las Vegas has become much more than an offseason showcase. For organizations like New Orleans, it’s an opportunity to identify hidden gems, build chemistry, and establish the culture that will carry into training camp.

God Shammgod Gets His First Opportunity

One of the biggest storylines surrounding this year’s roster isn’t on the court—it’s on the sideline.

New assistant coach God Shammgod will lead the Pelicans’ Summer League team, giving fans an early glimpse into the player development philosophy he brings from Dallas.

Widely respected throughout NBA circles, Shammgod has earned a reputation as one of basketball’s premier skill development coaches. His work with elite ball handlers and perimeter players has helped shape several NBA careers, making this Summer League assignment an important first step in his role with New Orleans.

His emphasis on pace, ball movement, creativity, and confidence should be evident throughout the week in Las Vegas.

Guards Looking to Make Their Case
Kobe Bufkin

Perhaps the most recognizable name on the roster, Bufkin enters Las Vegas hoping to rediscover the promise that made him a first-round NBA selection.

At 6-foot-4, he possesses outstanding body control, strong pick-and-roll instincts, and the versatility to play either guard position. His biggest challenge remains consistency as both a shooter and playmaker while adding strength to withstand NBA physicality.

Projection:

Rotation NBA guard with starter upside if his jumper becomes more reliable.

Jaron Pierre Jr.

Fresh off an impressive season at SMU, Pierre arrives as an explosive scorer capable of attacking downhill with authority.

His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him an intriguing developmental prospect.

Watch For
Transition scoring
Physical drives
Catch-and-shoot opportunities
Jordan Riley

Riley may quietly become one of the most entertaining players on the roster.

After averaging over 23 points per game at East Carolina, he brings relentless energy, defensive toughness, and fearlessness attacking the basket.

Improving his perimeter shooting will determine whether his game translates to the NBA level.

Markquis Nowell

Despite standing just 5-foot-7, Nowell remains one of the smartest point guards in Summer League.

His elite vision, deep shooting range, and ability to push tempo make him an ideal floor general capable of elevating teammates.

Dominique Daniels Jr.

Daniels is a microwave scorer.

His explosive first step consistently creates pressure on defenses, although turnovers and defensive size remain concerns.

Melvin Council Jr.

One of the biggest sleepers entering Las Vegas.

Council recently earned Portsmouth Invitational MVP honors while showcasing elite defensive instincts, toughness, and efficient decision-making.

Although his outside shot remains a work in progress, his competitiveness and defensive versatility could quickly earn him attention from NBA scouts.

Wings Loaded With Energy
Micah Peavy

Peavy enters Summer League as arguably the team’s most experienced player.

His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions while generating offense through transition opportunities and hustle plays.

If his perimeter shooting improves, he could become an ideal modern three-and-D contributor.

Jonny O’Neil

Standing 6-foot-10 with legitimate perimeter skills, O’Neil represents one of the more intriguing developmental projects on the roster.

His combination of shooting touch and rebounding gives him intriguing upside.

Solomon Washington

Few players compete harder.

Washington projects as the emotional leader of the second unit thanks to relentless rebounding, physical defense, and nonstop hustle.

Jalon Moore

Perhaps the roster’s best athlete.

Moore thrives running the floor, finishing above the rim, and protecting the basket from the weak side.

Developing his offensive skill package remains the next step.

Christian Shumate

The former McNeese State standout brings toughness and elite defensive credentials after winning multiple conference Defensive Player of the Year awards.

His energy alone should earn him plenty of opportunities during Summer League.

Chris Bell

Bell may be the roster’s best pure shooter.

After knocking down 40 percent from three-point range during his final collegiate season, he profiles as a classic floor-spacing wing capable of fitting today’s NBA.

Adding strength will determine how quickly he can contribute professionally.

Big Men Fighting for Opportunity
Hunter Dickinson

One of college basketball’s most accomplished centers arrives in Las Vegas with tremendous size and offensive polish.

His post scoring, passing ability, and basketball IQ remain elite.

Questions surrounding his defensive mobility continue to follow him entering professional basketball.

Josh Oduro

Oduro possesses polished footwork and impressive touch around the basket.

His experience and interior scoring ability should translate well against Summer League competition.

Nate Mensah

Defense is his calling card.

With a massive wingspan and excellent rim protection instincts, Mensah projects as one of the team’s best interior defenders.

Malik Dia

Dia combines strength, physicality, and toughness.

His ability to score facing the basket makes him one of the more versatile frontcourt players on the roster, although defensive consistency remains an area for improvement.

Five Players to Watch
⭐ Kobe Bufkin

Former first-round talent looking for a fresh opportunity.

⭐ Hunter Dickinson

Can elite college production translate to the NBA?

⭐ Melvin Council Jr.

Perhaps the roster’s biggest sleeper.

⭐ Chris Bell

One of the premier shooters in Summer League.

⭐ Micah Peavy

The team’s lone player with meaningful NBA experience.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Pelicans Summer League roster may lack star power, but it offers plenty of intriguing developmental talent.

With God Shammgod directing the team and several players competing for two-way contracts, Exhibit 10 deals, and training camp invitations, every possession in Las Vegas will carry significance.

For Joe Dumars and Jamahl Mosley, Summer League marks the first real opportunity to begin shaping the next wave of Pelicans talent. While wins and losses are secondary, identifying future contributors could prove invaluable as New Orleans continues building toward sustained success.

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.

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