The New Orleans Pelicans signed Reggie Williams to a 10-day deal to replace injured Omri Casspi, who was waived Saturday to create a roster spot, the team announced.
Casspi suffered a broken thumb Thursday night in his Pelicans debut after being acquired in the trade that also brought DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans from the Sacramento Kings. Casspi said he was expected to miss at least four weeks, but he had hoped he could return sooner than that.
"I think he understands," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said Saturday. "We talked about it. It's just kind of an unfortunate situation because I felt like he was going to be a guy that could help us -- the shooting aspect, the size and everything. These kinds of things happen. At this stage, it was really just important for us to have that roster spot."
Williams, who has averaged 18.3 points and 5.2 rebounds with the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA Development League, will be available to play in Saturday's game at Dallas.
After Williams completes this second 10-day deal, New Orleans must decide whether to keep him for the rest of the season or sign another player.
The Pelicans had Williams on a 10-day contract earlier this season but waived him to make room on the roster for Donatas Motiejunas.
"It feels good to be back," Williams said. "Especially already knowing these guys, it feels kind of comfortable."
New Orleans also signed Jarrett Jack and Hollis Thompson to 10-day contracts this week.
With starting shooting guard E'Twaun Moore out because of personal reasons, the Pelicans will have two guards, Jrue Holiday and Tim Frazier, not on 10-day contacts available for Saturday's game in Dallas.
ESPN's Justin Verrier contributed to this report.
