Javonte Green's journey in the NBA has been anything but straightforward, and his latest stop? The vibrant city of New Orleans. The Pelicans have secured Green's talents with a fully guaranteed one-year minimum contract, a move that was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic and later confirmed by several Pelicans insiders.
But what does this signing mean for both Green and the Pelicans? Let's break it down.
The Fit with the Pelicans
First off, it's important to understand the role Green is expected to play in New Orleans. While this is a great depth addition for the Pelicans, Green is likely to be deep on the bench—at least as long as the team stays healthy. The Pelicans' starting lineup will likely feature some big names, and squeezing Green into that mix could be a challenge.
Assuming head coach Willie Green sticks to the plan of starting Daniel Theis (or potentially another center if they trade for one) at the five spot, the rest of the starting positions appear locked down. CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram are expected to start on the wings, two players who bring considerable experience and skill to the court. But beyond them, there's a lot of talent waiting in the wings—literally.
Trey Murphy III, who has been turning heads with his performances, and Herb Jones, a defensive specialist, are two names that will likely demand significant minutes. Both players have shown they can contribute at a high level, and the Pelicans are expected to lean heavily on them. And then there's Jordan Hawkins, Matt Ryan, and even Dejounte Murray, who, while primarily a point guard, can play off the ball as a two-guard if needed. So where does that leave Javonte Green?
Green's Role and Potential Impact
Green, known for his athleticism and ability to play with pace, can certainly carve out a niche for himself. Last season, he shot an impressive 37% from beyond the arc, a stat that could make him valuable in specific matchups, especially when the Pelicans decide to go small, perhaps with Zion Williamson at center. His ability to stretch the floor and play fast could make him a key contributor off the bench in certain situations.
But let's be clear—Green's minutes will likely be limited unless injuries or roster changes come into play. The Pelicans tried to move Brandon Ingram this offseason, and if they had succeeded, Green might have found more opportunities. However, with Ingram still on the roster, the pecking order on the wings is pretty well established.
Why This Signing Makes Sense
Despite the crowded rotation, this is still a smart pickup for New Orleans. Here’s why:
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Depth and Flexibility: In the NBA, having depth is crucial, especially during a long, grueling season where injuries are almost inevitable. Green provides the Pelicans with an additional option who can step in and contribute when needed. His experience and versatility make him a valuable insurance policy.
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Low-Risk, High-Reward: The Pelicans are getting Green on a fully guaranteed one-year minimum contract. Financially, this is a low-risk move, and if Green ends up outperforming expectations, the Pelicans will have gotten a steal. If not, it doesn’t hurt their cap situation.
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Roster Maxed Out: With Green’s signing, the Pelicans now have 15 players under contract heading into the next season, maxing out their roster spots. This shows the team’s commitment to having a full, competitive squad ready to go.
What’s Next for Green?
So, what does the future hold for Javonte Green in New Orleans? It’s a bit of a waiting game. If the Pelicans experience injuries or decide to shake up their roster, Green could see his role expand. Alternatively, he might find himself playing limited minutes in a crowded rotation. Either way, Green’s journey continues, and he’s shown time and again that he’s capable of making the most of whatever opportunity comes his way.
In the grand scheme of things, Green’s addition might not make headlines every night, but it’s moves like these that often make a difference over the course of a season. For the Pelicans, having a player like Green who can step in and contribute without a huge financial commitment is a win. For Green, it’s another chapter in his NBA journey—a journey that’s taken him from undrafted free agent to a player who’s consistently found a way to stick in the league.
As the Pelicans head into the season with a full roster, all eyes will be on the big names—Zion, Ingram, McCollum. But keep an eye on Green, too. He’s proven before that he can make an impact when given the chance. And in the NBA, where the unexpected happens more often than not, don’t be surprised if Green finds a way to make his mark in New Orleans.
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