The Pelicans have signed forward Kaiser Gates to a two-way contract, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Gates, 6-foot-7, spent three college seasons playing for Xavier, averaging 5.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game. The 26-year-old went undrafted in 2018, but has played four seasons in the G League. Last season with the Long Island Nets, in 24 regular season games, Gates averaged 14.0 points and 6.0 rebounds, while shooting 55.5% from 3-point range.
Important to remember, for the start of the 2023-24 season, the Pelicans will be missing key wing player Trey Murphy III (14.5 ppg on 40.6% 3P), after he underwent successful surgery to repair a meniscus tear earlier this month. Hoping to fill a role, Gates is a skilled combo forward, who can shoot lights out from three and will look to contribute to a Pelicans team that is setting out to improve off their 42-40 record last season.
To note, after signing Dereon Seabron and Gates, the Pelicans still have one two-way slot available, and according to sources that spot is most likely to be filled by rookie Liam Robbins, who the Pelicans signed in June.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
