Offensive Game
Natural scorer with fluid athleticism and shot creation ability off the dribble. Shot selection and consistency from three are the key development areas.
Career Journey
Portland Trail Blazers
2022-2024
New Orleans Pelicans
2024-present
Drafted 40th overall (2022)
Selected by Minnesota and traded to Charlotte on draft night; the first Nebraska Cornhusker to reach the NBA after a single college season.
Two-way to standard deal with New Orleans
Signed a two-way with the Pelicans in July 2025, then earned a three-year standard contract in February 2026.
Career-best role (2025-26)
Averaged 8.1 points across 42 games (13 starts) before a fractured toe ended his season in March 2026.
Player Agent
2025-26 season · View contract
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 42 | 8.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 48.1% | 40.9% |
Bryce McGowens has walked the long road most second-round scorers face: prove it, get waived, prove it again. Nebraska made him a one-and-done — the first Husker to reach the NBA after a single season in Lincoln — and Minnesota took him 40th in 2022 before flipping him to Charlotte on draft night. The Hornets gave him two-way run, but his breakthrough came in New Orleans. He signed a two-way deal in July 2025, then played well enough that the Pelicans converted him to a three-year standard contract in February 2026. Across 42 games with 13 starts he averaged 8.1 points, leaning on downhill drives more than his jumper, before a fractured toe ended his season in early March. At 6-foot-6 with real scoring instincts he's earned a foothold — the open question is whether he settles in as a dependable rotation wing.
Offensive Game
Natural scorer with fluid athleticism and shot creation ability off the dribble. Shot selection and consistency from three are the key development areas.
Defensive Game
Athletic enough to be a solid defender but effort and positioning remain inconsistent. Length is a natural defensive asset still being realized.
Intangibles
Still developing his NBA IQ — improving his reads, off-ball positioning, and defensive communication with experience.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Private
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Youth basketball programs in Jacksonville
Did You Know?
McGowens holds Nebraska's all-time freshman scoring record despite playing only one season.
His older brother Davion McGowens also played professionally after starring in college.
He chose Nebraska over multiple high-major programs, seeking a featured role that would accelerate his development.
At 6-6 with a long wingspan, McGowens has one of the best athletic profiles on the Pelicans roster.
Career Honors
2022 NBA Draft 31st Overall Pick
Nebraska Freshman Scoring Record
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New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans
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