Bryce Dejean-Jones, Pelicans Guard, Dies at Age 23

New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones has died at the age of 23, the Dallas County coroner's office confirmed to Travis Hines of the Ames Tribune on Saturday.

Shams Charania of The Vertical reported Dejean-Jones bled to death after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Per Sarah Mervosh of the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Police Department confirmed Dejean-Jones was shot after breaking into an apartment complex:

#BREAKING NBA player @B2nyce was shot breaking into an apartment in Dallas, per @DallasPD. https://t.co/yxvPFZTKyj pic.twitter.com/AI7Ok6WewE

— Sarah Mervosh (@smervosh) May 28, 2016

Former Iowa State head coach and current Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg expressed his sympathies via a school press release:

"We are deeply saddened to learn the tragic news about Bryce. I'm grateful that our paths crossed in this life. Bryce was a passionate and talented player that lived out his dream of playing in the NBA through hard work and perseverance. It's an incredibly sad day for me and all of Iowa State University. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce's family."

The Pelicans also released a statement about the passing of Dejean-Jones, via their official Twitter account:

"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."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver provided a statement regarding Dejean-Jones' death:

Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones pic.twitter.com/AwP1EqPwd4

— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2016

Timberwolves star Shabazz Muhammad also expressed his thoughts:

I just lost my best friend/cousin last night enjoy life because you never know if tomorrow is guaranteed love you soldier ! #RIPBDJ

— shabazz muhammad (@ShabazzMuhammad) May 28, 2016

Iowa State point guard Monte Morris tweeted a picture of himself and Dejean-Jones:

Never forget! #RIP. Love pic.twitter.com/koxCvlpJAU

— BigGame (@MonteMorris11) May 28, 2016

Dejean-Jones played college basketball at USC (2010-11), UNLV (2012-14) and Iowa State (2014-15). After going undrafted in 2015, he played for the Pelicans during Las Vegas Summer League and signed a deal with them in August. After going through training camp with New Orleans, the team waived him a few days before the 2015-16 season began.
The NBA D-League's Idaho Stampede acquired Dejean-Jones off of waivers in mid-December. He averaged 19.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in nine games with the Stampede throughout December and January.
The Pelicans signed Dejean-Jones to a 10-day contract on Jan. 21. He appeared in 14 games with the team, making 11 starts, and averaged 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest. A right wrist fracture ended his rookie season in February.
A week prior to undergoing wrist surgery, the Pelicans signed Dejean-Jones to a partially guaranteed three-year contract, per Charania. His best game came against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 4, when he scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 99-96 loss.