The New Orleans Pelicans have confirmed that Nate Robinson has been waived after beginning the season as the team's starting point guard.

Robinson started as the Pelicans opened the new campaign with a defeat to the Golden State Warriors, before coming off the bench to play just four minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ish Smith's performance off the bench on opening night has seen him move ahead of Robinson in the pecking order, with Jrue Holiday returning against the Blazers.

Pelicans general manager Dell Demps has waived the 31-year-old to leave a spot open on the roster, and reports have suggested that he could re-sign Toney Douglas, who played 12 games for the Pelicans last season.

Robinson missed his only shot in 19 minutes of action for the Pelicans.