LAS VEGAS – The last time Jameel McKay talked to Bryce Dejean-Jones, the two former Iowa State teammates discussed their dream scenario of reuniting in the NBA as members of the New Orleans Pelicans. Six weeks later, McKay has joined the Pelicans and is part of their summer league team, but his friend is gone. Dejean-Jones died May 28 in Dallas, while visiting the city to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday.
McKay and his New Orleans summer teammates are honoring the memory of Dejean-Jones, who was 23 years old, by wearing a “BDJ” patch on the left chest of their uniforms.