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Mathurin, who was selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, brings significant experience to New Orleans following stints with the Indiana Pacers and the LA Clippers. The move marks the latest chapter for the 23-year-old guard, who has established himself as a potent scoring threat off the bench throughout his professional career.
A Proven Scorer on the Move
During the previous campaign, Mathurin appeared in 54 games split between Indiana and Los Angeles, maintaining averages of 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. His transition to the Clippers in February 2026 proved immediately impactful, highlighted by a memorable debut where he matched his career-high with 38 points to help secure a narrow 115–114 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Before his time in Los Angeles, Mathurin was a central figure for the Pacers. He played a vital role in the franchise’s successful 2024-25 season, which culminated in an appearance in the NBA Finals. During that championship series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, recording a playoff career-high of 27 points in just 22 minutes of action during a 116–107 Game 3 win.
Building for the Future
The addition of Mathurin provides the Pelicans with a versatile offensive weapon who has proven his ability to contribute in high-stakes environments. Having spent his first three and a half seasons developing in Indiana before his mid-season trade to the Clippers, the shooting guard arrives in New Orleans with a clear track record of providing instant offense.
As the Pelicans look to integrate their new signing, the focus will be on how Mathurin’s scoring efficiency and playoff experience translate to the team's rotation. With the contract structure offering flexibility through the player option, both the organization and the player have established a clear path forward for the upcoming seasons.
