NBA Player News

Demin (rest) is looking to take a step forward ahead of his second NBA season in 2026-27.

The 2025 first-rounder is coming off an exciting Summer League run, having averaged 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.6 three-pointers per game over five appearances. Demin is set to work alongside a new backcourt partner after the Nets drafted Mikel Brown earlier this summer, and he should operate as a full-time starter in 2026-27.

The Raptors announced Wednesday they've signed Jemison to a two-way contract.

Jemison had previously been an unrestricted free agent after the Knicks declined to tender him a qualifying offer earlier this offseason. The big man is preparing for his fourth NBA season ahead of 2026-27, but most of his playing time is likely to come with the G League's Raptors 905.

Fears enjoyed an outstanding rookie season, appearing in all 82 regular-season games while averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Fears capped the year by setting the franchise rookie scoring record with a 40-point performance and enters 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' most promising young guards. Even with Dejounte Murray expected back, Fears has positioned himself for a significant role in the Pelicans' backcourt rotation.

Queen impressed during his rookie campaign despite missing time early in the season due to a wrist injury, flashing the versatile offensive skills that made him a lottery pick.

Queen posted several standout performances, including the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in NBA history. Queen should compete for an even larger frontcourt role in 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' top young building blocks.

Poole provided New Orleans with an additional scoring threat initially during the 2025-26 campaign, but he would eventually fall out favor with the coaching staff.

Poole ended up making 39 regular-season appearances, shooting 37.2 percent from the field with 13.4 points, 3.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds. With Dejounte Murray (hand) expected to be back at full strength, Poole will face an uphill battle for playing time in 2026-27.

Murphy (ankle) continued his emergence as one of New Orleans' top offensive weapons before injuries interrupted another strong campaign.

Murphy's combination of three-point shooting, athleticism and secondary shot creation should once again make him a featured option alongside Zion Williamson. Murphy has averaged at least 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal in back-to-back seasons, but he's made more than 66 regular-season appearances only once in his past five years.

Murray (hand) remains a cornerstone of New Orleans' backcourt despite missing the first half of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Murray's playing time was monitored closely after his delayed 2025-26 debut, and he missed the final games of the regular season due to a bruised hand. Assuming he's fully healthy entering training camp, Murray should reclaim a starting role and provide veteran leadership alongside the Pelicans' young guards. His ability to contribute across the board as a scorer, facilitator and defender gives him a chance to bounce back in 2026-27.

Missi (hand) continued to play a meaningful role in New Orleans' frontcourt during his second NBA season, averaging 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 66 regular-season appearances.

The 22-year-old remains one of the Pelicans' top young interior defenders, and New Orleans has reportedly rebuffed trade interest from multiple teams this offseason, underscoring how highly the organization values him. Although he'll continue competing for frontcourt minutes alongside Derik Queen and DeAndre Jordan, Missi should remain an important part of the center rotation entering 2026-27.

Jones continues to provide New Orleans with elite perimeter defense and positional versatility, making him one of the NBA's premier role players.

While Jones' offensive responsibilities remain modest, his ability to contribute steals, blocks and efficient complementary production keeps him fantasy relevant. His role as the Pelicans' top defensive wing should remain unchanged heading into 2026-27.

Williamson (knee) bounced back with a productive campaign in 2025-26, reestablishing himself as the focal point of New Orleans' offense despite the team's 26-56 finish.

Williamson remains one of the league's most efficient interior scorers when healthy and should once again lead the Pelicans in usage entering 2026-27. With no major offseason additions threatening his role, Williamson is expected to remain the franchise centerpiece.