The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to sign Chris Douglas-Roberts to a two-year deal, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports. Douglas-Roberts’ deal is for the veteran’s minimum and is not fully guaranteed.
Douglas-Roberts, 28, last played for the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging merely 1.6 points and one rebound in 12 games on 8.6 minutes per outing. Prior to playing for the Clippers, the six-year man was with the Charlotte Hornets, playing a crucial role in Steve Clifford’s rotation.
That year, Douglas-Roberts averaged 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds on 20.7 minutes per game, helping Charlotte reach the playoffs. If Douglas-Roberts impresses enough, he may earn the same role on the Pelicans.
The 6-foot-7 swingman adds more depth and experience at the wing position for New Orleans but will have to battle Alonzo Gee, Luke Babbitt, and Dante Cunningham for minutes if he makes the roster.
Douglas-Roberts was the 40th overall pick by the then-New Jersey Nets in 2008. He played two seasons with the Nets before landing with the Milwaukee Bucks. CDR was putting up solid numbers off the bench for the Nets and Bucks but decided to play overseas during the lockout season.
He travelled to Italy to play for Virtus Bologna for one season and then tried to make an NBA return, but the Memphis Tigers product found it difficult to return to the league, having to play in the D-League for the Texas Legends. He was ultimately signed by the Dallas Mavericks but waived after playing just six games.
Now with the Pelicans, Douglas-Roberts hopes he can stick on the roster after spending the summer, intensely training to find a new gig. However, he will have to contend with Sean Kilpatrick and Bryce Dejean-Jones for a spot on the team.
The Pelicans have yet to re-sign their restricted free agent Norris Cole but still plan on bringing him back and may reach an agreement with him before the start of training camp.
