The Pelicans closed out the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft by making a move that hit home. With the 58th overall pick, a selection that was secured after sending Jose Alvarado to the Knicks, the Pels selected SMU guard Jaron Pierre Jr.
It’s the ultimate full-circle Louisiana storyline for the New Orleans native who went to high school at St Aug.
He lit up the ACC this past season, averaging 17.6 points, pulling down nearly 5 boards a game, and shooting 37% from beyond the arc.
At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, he’s a physical guard with an absolute knack for scoring in bunches.
Pierre will turn 24 years old on July 12, so he brings maturity, a ton of college mileage, and a pro-ready frame. But he'll have to fight for every single minute in training camp.
