Two New Orleans Pelicans Battles To Watch During Training Camp

The New Orleans Pelicans haven't done much this offseason, but that's because they didn't have much room to do anything either on the roster or in the salary cap. 

Most of the people on the roster right now will be there for the start of the season, no matter what. There are a few players fighting for the two pathways currently remaining on the roster.

The offseason is still going, and the Pelicans can still make some more moves. They would probably like to. As of now, though, here are the four players fighting for the last spots:

Watford and Houstan are two forwards who can only make it to the team through the active roster.

Watford was recently signed to a one-year deal, but it is only partially guaranteed. The team could open up that roster spot for someone else and not be out much. Watford could very well make the team, though, as the more experienced player with a higher floor.

The 25-year-old is a 6-foot-8 point forward who can pass, rebound and score around the rim. There is room for a player like that on most teams.

Houstan might be the better answer for what New Orleans needs, though, as a high-potential shooter. Going back to his last year with the Orlando Magic, with this same coaching staff, he shot 40.0% on 2.8 attempts per night,

They play different positions, but they are both early enough into their careers to still be able to be stashed on a two-way deal.

Bufkin was a former first-round pick and he had a great stint at Summer League, so he'll probably go into camp with a little bit of an edge. It's no secret that the Pelicans aren't too happy with the guard depth of Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins, so keeping Bufkin could allow for another option if things start stale for them as well.

Koloko does fit in line with what New Orleans had hoped to accomplish this offseason as a defensive enforcer in the paint. The frontcourt depth isn't super encouraging either, but the team has been encouraged by what they've seen out of Derik Queen and Yves Missi. A defensive threat in the paint is never a bad thing to have, though.