The Pelicans signed Jalen Pierre, the 58th overall pick, to a two-way contract.

July 25 - The New Orleans Pelicans announced that they have signed Jalen Pierre, the 58th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft , to a two-way contract.

Pierre previously played for Southern Methodist University ( SMU ), where he was named an ACC Honorable Mention last season , averaging 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1 steal per game, with a 37% three-point shooting percentage . He made 222 field goals last season, ranking fifth in the league, and scored 599 points, ranking seventh in scoring.

This 24- year-old guard scored 20 or more points 13 times last season , including a season-high 35 points against Texas A&M University on December 7. He made 80 three-pointers in a single season, ranking eighth in SMU history, and ranked tenth in scoring.

Pierre had a rich college career, playing for the University of Southern Mississippi, Wichita State University, and Jacksonville State University before transferring to SMU . He was named the American League Player of the Year in 2025 .

Standing at 1.96 meters tall , Pierre made his Summer League debut for the Pelicans this year, averaging 10 points and 1.7 rebounds in 3 games with a 27% field goal percentage . He scored in double figures in two of those games, including a 16- point performance on July 12 .

Image source: Internet