The New Orleans Pelicans have signed their hometown draft pick.
Jaron Pierre, the former St. Augustine High standout selected in the second round in June’s NBA draft, signed a 2-way contract with the Pelicans. The Pelicans announced the signing Thursday morning.
Pierre, who finished his collegiate career at Southern Methodist University, was drafted with the No. 58 overall pick. He was the only draft pick the Pelicans had this year.
Joe Dumars, the Pelicans’ executive vice-president of basketball operations, spoke after the draft about what the team liked about the 6-foot-5 guard.
“We’re trying to hit on every pick that we bring in here,” Dumars said. “We don’t take any of them for granted. There’s a certain type of player that we are looking for. We are looking for guys who are competitive. We are looking for guys who have toughness. And we are looking for guys who really want to be here in New Orleans. Jaron checks the box for all of those.”
Pierre averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists during his one year at SMU. He scored a career-best 21.6 points per game the year before at Jacksonville State. Pierre shot 37 % on 3-pointers at SMU, the fourth school he attended. He began his college career at Southern Miss before transferring to Wichita State.
Pierre played in three games for the Pelicans during Summer League play in Las Vegas. He averaged 10 points and 1.7 rebounds. His best game came against the Phoenix Suns when he scored 16 points and grabbed three rebounds.
“JP has been the constant,” said Pelicans’ Summer League coach God Shammgod. “He’s a rookie and still trying to find his way. But he’s being aggressive defensively and offensively. … JP is a hard worker. He’s a gamer.”
On his two-way deal, Pierre will split time between the Pelicans and the Laketown Squadron, the Pels’ G League affiliate that will play its games in Kenner this season. NBA teams are allowed to have three players on a two-way contract. Those players are allowed to be active for up to 50 NBA games.
During his introductory news conference following the draft, P.
“It means everything,” Pierre said. “From watching those games when I was young to now everybody coming and watching me play is a big life change. Full circle for me. I grew up watching the Pelicans. So playing for the Pelicans is beautiful.”