The New Orleans Pelicans have made their first training camp cut, parting ways with center Christian Koloko, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Koloko had signed a training camp deal in July, and at the time there was at least a path to a two-way spot. That route disappeared once the Pelicans used those two-way openings on younger options, leaving the main roster as his only real chance to stick.
A former second-round pick of the Toronto Raptors, Koloko came into the league with the kind of tools teams dream about: size, length and the hope that his athleticism could turn into real rim protection. That vision never fully took hold. Across three NBA seasons, he has averaged 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.3 minutes per game, and New Orleans became the fifth team he has been with since being drafted.
The defensive effort was there, but the offensive game never caught up. Koloko’s 2.8 points have come on 49.3% shooting from the field, and he did begin experimenting with a three-point shot late last season. Even so, it never looked like a reliable part of his game.
New Orleans gave him a look because the fit made sense on paper: bring in a raw athlete, see what the staff could mold, and let the defense sort itself out. But the signs were pointing this way already. Koloko did not play in the first preseason game and logged just four minutes in the second.
The Pelicans did not make major additions to their frontcourt on the standard roster this offseason, but they do like what they have on two-way deals in Malik Dia and Julian Reese.
Reese, like his sister Angel, is a strong rebounder, and while his offense has been limited, he has handled the little things well. That matters to this coaching staff. If New Orleans needs someone to soak up unexpected frontcourt minutes, Reese looks like a player they could trust.
Dia is the more unfinished prospect, but he brings energy and effort. The undrafted free agent has taken to the experience and is willing to do the work required to stay. He can shoot, which adds some value, and he is expected to provide toughness, rebounding and defensive edge.
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New Orleans now has to weigh whether Pooles early run is enough to bump him into the starting conversation for the next game against Dallas. The fit is appealing because his playmaking could help stabilize the group, but the bigger question is whether this version of Poole holds up long enough to matter once the games start counting for real. [Read more 🡒]