Pelicans Waive Rookie Center, Sign Guard

The New Orleans Pelicans waived rookie center and signed a G League guard.

NEW ORLEANS –  The New Orleans Pelicans announced the signing of guard Jalen Crutcher. The terms of the deal with Crutcher were not disclosed by the organization.

Crutcher has 57 game appearances with 39 starts over the past two seasons with the Hornets’ G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. The 6-2, 175-pound guard averaged 15.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 32.7 minutes per contest while shooting .430 from three-point range. 

During his time at the University of Dayton, Crutcher played in 118 games, averaging 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He received First-team All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2020 and 2021.

Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preseason Game Preview | Game 2

Dec 22, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Greensboro Swarm guard Jalen Crutcher (4) drives the ball against NBA G League Ignite forward Aubrey Dawkins (24) during the second half at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 22, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Greensboro Swarm guard Jalen Crutcher (4) drives the ball against NBA G League Ignite forward Aubrey Dawkins (24) during the second half at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

In a corresponding move, New Orleans has waived Liam Robbins.

New Orleans signed Robbins to a free-agent contract on Sept. 29. Robbins reportedly had a stress reaction in his right fibula and was in a walking boot on Oct. 4.   The rookie center went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft after playing with Drake, Minnesota, and his final two seasons with Vanderbilt. Robbins made 129 game appearances with 83 starts, averaging 10.63 points, 5.53 rebounds, .81 assists, and 2.37 blocks.

Pelicans Injury Report: Rookie Center In A Boot