Solomon Washington, a New Orleans native who once led G.W. Carver High School to a state championship, has officially signed a free‑agent contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. The move comes as the Pelicans prepare for the Summer League, where the forward is expected to make his debut with the team that grew up watching.
Washington’s basketball journey began on the streets of the Crescent City, where he honed his game at Carver before starring for the Maryland Terrapins. In his lone season with Maryland, he posted averages of 9.8 points and 9.2 rebounds, numbers that barely capture the impact he had on the court.
Despite missing the first eight games of the previous season due to injury, Washington finished the year with 744 points, 676 rebounds, 112 blocks and a suite of career‑high stats that include 96 steals and 88 assists. His 23 double‑digit rebounding performances, highlighted by a 20‑rebound showing in the state title game, underscored his dominance.
Now back in Louisiana, the former Gatorade Louisiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year will look to translate his collegiate production into Summer League minutes. Coaches have praised his work ethic and ability to control the boards, traits that could give the Pelicans a fresh spark as they evaluate talent for the future.
Homecoming and Expectations
The signing represents more than just a roster move; it is a symbolic homecoming for a player who grew up dreaming of wearing the Pelicans’ colors. For Washington, the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of family and friends adds an extra layer of motivation as he seeks to carve out a lasting professional career.