Kofi Inkoom
The New Orleans Pelicans have introduced a minor change to their preseason roster by announcing the signing of free agent guard Jalen Crutcher.
In order to create a roster spot for Crutcher, the Pelicans have waived Liam Robbins, as confirmed in an official team statement.
Jalen Crutcher, who had an impressive college career at Dayton, spent four years with the Flyers before going undrafted in 2021.
He commenced his professional journey with the G League, specifically the Greensboro Swarm, which is affiliated with the Charlotte Hornets.
Initially, he signed Exhibit 10 contracts with the Hornets but was subsequently released.
As a 6’2″ point guard, Crutcher played in 57 regular-season games for the Swarm between 2021 and 2023, making 39 starts and averaging 32.7 minutes per game.
His stats for this period included 15.8 points per game, 5.8 assists, and 3.0 rebounds.
Crutcher’s returning player rights were acquired by the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBAGL affiliate, in a recent deal with the Swarm.
This suggests that the 24-year-old likely secured an Exhibit 10 contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, which would entitle him to a $75,000 bonus if he’s waived but spends at least 60 days with the Squadron.
As for Liam Robbins, a 7’0″ big man who went undrafted from Vanderbilt in June, he initially signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Pelicans at the end of last month.
There were indications that he might be promoted to a two-way contract, but regrettably, he suffered a stress fracture in his right fibula last week and has been ruled out indefinitely.