The New Orleans Pelicans have signed Perry Jones to a training camp deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Jones is a former first-round pick, drafted 28th overall in 2012.
New Orleans bringing free agent forward Perry Jones to training camp. https://t.co/L7tUria5Id
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 12, 2017
Jones was a heralded high-potential player coming out of college. Drafted onto the Oklahoma City Thunder, the athletic wing was unable to get much playing time and could not show enough consistency to warrant it.
Jones played three seasons with the Thunder. Since then, he has played in Russia and the NBA D-League. He did not play in the NBA last season.
At 25 years old, there may still be a sliver of hope that Jones can become something more than he is. The Pelicans will have playing time for him due to an injury to returning starter Solomon Hill.
The Pelicans have also signed Grizzlies guard Tony Allen, hoping to bring more perimeter defense to the roster. With Allen’s age and recurring injury concerns, Jones should have plenty of time to earn a spot in the rotation.
Of course, Jones will first have to prove his worth in training camp and the preseason, hoping to get a roster spot before the regular season begins.