The New Orleans Pelicans have signed undrafted rookie forward Christian Shumate, according to HoopsHype.
Shumate, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound forward, joins the Pelicans after a standout career at McNeese State. He spent four years with the Cowboys, developing into one of the top mid-major rebounders in the nation.
During the 2024-25 season, Shumate started all 35 games and averaged 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He shot 62.3 percent from the field and recorded double-figure scoring in 20 contests.
His most productive year came in 2022-23 when he posted 15.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, establishing himself as a reliable scorer and rebounder in the Southland Conference.
Over his 144-game collegiate career, Shumate averaged 11.8 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 55.9 percent from the floor. He also contributed nearly a steal and a block per contest.
Before his time at McNeese, Shumate played his freshman season at Tulsa, appearing in eight games before transferring.
Shumate also suited up for the Pelicans in the 2025 NBA Summer League, where he averaged 3.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 17.4 minutes across four games. He shot 42.9 percent from the field while adding 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per contest, showing activity on the defensive end and the glass.
The Pelicans enter the 2025–26 campaign with a roster that already features veterans like Jose Alvarado, Saddiq Bey, and Zion Williamson, alongside rookies Jeremiah Fears and Asa Newell.
Adding Shumate provides New Orleans with another versatile frontcourt option, especially with injuries to key players including Williamson and Derik Queen. His rebounding ability could offer depth behind Kevon Looney and Karlo Matkovic in the rotation.
