Pelicans round out their roster for the 2025-2026 season with a scrappy two-way guard

With the New Orleans Pelicans set to conclude their 2025-26 season against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, they have finally signed their 15th man to the roster. After signing an Exhibit 9 (training camp contract) deal with the Pelicans, 23-year-old guard Jaden Springer has signed a standard regular season deal. The deal was initially reported by NBA insider Michael on Saturday evening Scotto from HoopsHype.

Throughout the preseason, Springer battled injuries that limited his appearances, but in his 12 minutes of action he totaled five points, four rebounds and three assists. He was also very efficient from the field and three, shooting 2-4 from the field and 1-1 from beyond the arc. Although Springer played limited minutes during the preseason, he has built a reputation as an athletic, scrappy defensive guard who was part of a championship-winning team with the Boston Celtics in 2024.

There are few people who are bigger fans of Springer than I am. I love that he revolves his game around being a hustler. Whether it’s fighting over screens, diving for loose balls or jumping over lanes, he does it all. He plays with the same energy and grit that Kevon Looney brings to this team.

Springer could finally get the opportunities he has been waiting for his entire career

Over his four-year career, he only has 110 games under his belt, so his stats aren’t very relevant to who he is or what he could be for the Pelicans team this season. Looking at the teams Springer has been on, like Philadelphia, Boston and most recently Utah, all three of those teams have legitimate guys they can count on at guard or are trying to develop. So it’s understandable why his number was never really called to actually be part of those teams’ rotations.

That’s not the case for the Pelicans, as their backup point guard to start the year will likely be rookie Jeremiah Fears. Fears will certainly have his moments, but he is also expected to struggle with consistency. This could create an opening for Springer to come in and prove himself against Willie Green, whose defensive coaching style matches his playing style.

His strong frame allows him to hang on the perimeter with wings and when he is posted, something that also opens a door for him in this team. Aside from Saddiq Bey, the Pelicans lack depth and experience off the bench in the wing department and could turn to Springer in smaller lineup combinations.

Overall, I think the decision to bring in Jaden Springer with their last roster spot is the right decision, and I believe New Orleans is the perfect place for him to finally establish himself as a real name in the league.