The young New Orleans Pelicans squad will be adding a veteran in their roster as they are set to sign guard Chris Douglas-Roberts to a two-year contract for the veterans minimum.
Douglas-Roberts is only 28 years old but has played already for five National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. He also has experience playing in the NBA Developmental League (D-League) and in Italy.
The former Memphis Tiger was selected by the then New Jersey Nets in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft.
He played for the Nets until 2010, after which he became a journeyman having stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Virtus Bologna (Italy), Texas Legends (D-League), Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Bobcats, and last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
With the Clippers, Douglas-Roberts only played in 12 games averaging an NBA career-low 1.6 points and 1.0 rebound per contest.
According to Yahoo Sports who first reported about Douglas-Roberts' deal, the veteran swingman will be competing for a roster spot with fellow guards Bryce Dejean-Jones and Sean Kilpatrick.
The signing of Douglas-Roberts gives the Pelicans 16 players under contract with the team set to open their training camp on Sept. 29 in West Virginia, according to The Times-Picayune.
If Douglas-Roberts makes it to the main roster, his experience and leadership will be his contribution to the team filled with young and budding players led by All-Star Anthony Davis.
Since Douglas-Roberts plays at the no. 2 spot, he will likely be the third string shooting guard behind Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans if the Pelicans decide to make him stay.
The Times-Picayune added in their report that the Pelicans are also interested in Rasual Butler who already played for the franchise before and Corey Webster who is from New Zealand.
After making it last season, New Orleans look to return to the playoffs in the upcoming season but were swept by the eventual champions the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
