Pelicans Rookie Bryce Dejean-Jones Dies After Gunshot Wound To Abdomen

New Orleans Pelican rookie Bryce Dejean-Jones was shot to death early Saturday morning in Dallas after breaking into an apartment, according to a Dallas Police report.

https://twitter.com/smervosh/status/736647215096029184

Dejean-Jones was just 23 years old.

The former undrafted free agent out of Iowa State had signed a three-year contract with the Pelicans after consecutive 10-day contracts this season on which he averaged 5.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.9 minutes over 14 games. He tallied a career-high 17 points and nine rebounds in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

The Pelicans released a statement on Dejean-Jones’ passing.

“It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones,” the statement read. “We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family during this difficult time.”

Dejean-Jones had encountered problems with the law previously, as Deadspin noted. He was arrested on marijuana charges while playing for USC before the case was thrown out by a judge. He also punched a teammate at USC and was suspended while playing for UNLV for shoving a teammate whom he claimed had threatened to shoot him.

Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images