The Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, made strategic moves in the 2025 NBA G League Draft. With the 18th and 20th picks, the Squadron selected forwards Tray Jackson and Chris Mantis. However, Birmingham later traded Mantis to the Capital City Go-Go in exchange for JZ Zaher, the 31st pick, and the returning player rights to Darryl Morsell.
Tray Jackson, a 6-foot-10 forward from Michigan, was previously selected 57th overall in the last G League Draft by the Oklahoma City Blue. During his time with Oklahoma City, Jackson averaged 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 52.2% shooting. He also had a brief stint with the Delaware Blue Coats and later joined the Austin Spurs, where he played 10 games.
JZ Zaher, a 6-foot guard from Bowling Green, made his professional debut with the Delaware Blue Coats in the 2024-25 season. Zaher played two college seasons, transferring to Bowling Green after his freshman year at Eastern Michigan.
Darryl Morsell, a 6-foot-5 forward from Marquette, played overseas last season after two seasons in the G League with Raptors 905 and Salt Lake City. In the 2023-24 season, Morsell averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists with Raptors 905.
The Squadron’s acquisition of Zaher and Morsell is expected to bolster their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.