Jameer Nelson wasn't out of work for long.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced Sunday they signed the veteran point guard and waived shooting guard Jordan Crawford.
Nelson, who was waived by the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and cleared waivers Friday, joins the Pels on a one-year deal, sources told The Vertical's Shams Charania.
The 35-year-old was pursued by a handful of other teams with backcourt vacancies after a slew of early-season injuries, including the Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Oklahoma City Thunder were also reportedly interested.
Nelson, though, wanted to go somewhere he could play a significant role this season, according to Wojnarowski. He apparently felt the Pelicans - who are expected to be without backup point guard Rajon Rondo for another month - offered him the best opportunity to do so.
Nelson had a bounce-back shooting season with the Nuggets in 2016-17, posting his best field-goal (44.4) and 3-point (38.8) percentages in six years.
Crawford, who signed with New Orleans late last season, averaged nine points and 3.5 assists, and shot 4-of-5 from 3-point range, in the first two games of the season.
