The New Orleans Pelicans have used one of their open two-way spots to bring in a familiar Maryland name, signing forward Julian Reese as training camp approaches next week.
That move adds another former Terrapin to the New Orleans mix. Reese spent four seasons at Maryland and now joins former college teammate Derik Queen, while undrafted forward Solomon Washington is also in the building after finishing his collegiate career in College Park this past season.
Reese’s path to this point has been built on energy, work on the glass, and a willingness to do the dirty work. Last season, he played for the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate, before earning a call from the Washington Wizards in February.
Washington was shorthanded in the frontcourt at the time, with injuries to Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III creating an opening for a young big who could contribute right away. Reese took the opportunity and made it count.
In 13 games, including 10 starts, he posted 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 52.9% from the field in 30.9 minutes a night. He also turned in five double-doubles, highlighted by an 18-point, 20-rebound performance against the Utah Jazz in just his third NBA game. On top of that, Reese tied Shaquille O'Neal as the fastest player to reach 100 career rebounds.
What stood out in Washington was how steady he looked. Reese kept hunting rebounds on both ends, stayed active around the rim, and made his presence felt inside even without a perimeter game. He finished misses, ran hard into pick-and-roll actions, and showed enough poise to suggest he belonged.
Still, the numbers game caught up with him. After the Pelicans added Anthony Davis at last season’s trade deadline and then brought in Deandre Ayton this offseason, the frontcourt picture got crowded fast. That, along with New Orleans’ deep group of wings and forwards, left Reese on the outside looking in despite his strong stretch last year and his run with the Summer League team in Las Vegas.
Now he gets a fresh shot with a team that could use more size behind Queen, Zion Williamson, and Yves Missi. Reese will compete with Washington, Karlo Matkovic, Christian Koloko, Josh Oduro, and veteran DeAndre Jordan for a place on the 15-man roster when opening night arrives.
A strong camp and preseason could go a long way for Reese, especially on a Pelicans roster that may need frontcourt depth before long.
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