New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones appeared to have a bright future in the NBA.

Unfortunately, he won't get to pursue it.

Sad and tragic news from multiple news outlets confirm Dejean-Jones died last night in Texas. He was 23 years old.

Shans Charania of Yahoo! sports reports Dejean-Jones bled to death last night after a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Dejean-Jones was shot by a resident of an apartment he broke into.

Dejean-Jones was not expected to make a significant impact last season after going undrafted out of Iowa State Despite the long odds, he became one of the bright spots in the Pelicans rough season.

Battling his way through training camp, not making the regular season roster, playing for the Idaho Stampede in the D-League, signing a pair of 10-day contracts when New Orleans suffered multiple injuries, making a strong impression, starting multiple games, playing over 35 minutes in wins, and eventually earning a 3 year deal is the short version of Dejean-Jones first, and sadly only, year in the NBA.

Though he would suffer a season-ending injury, the impression he left on the court was undeniable, as well as what seemed a promising sign of things to come.

“He’s a guy who is not overwhelmed by the moment,” New Orleans forward Ryan Anderson said following a January win that Dejean-Jones starred in last season. “You can’t tell he’s a rookie.”

The New Orleans Pelicans released the following statement on Dejean-Jones passing..

“It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones. We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family during this difficult time.”

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Dejean-Jones family and loved ones.

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