Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans roundtable: Free agency

By Nathan Heck

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and forward Ryan Anderson (33) walk off the court during a time out during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and forward Ryan Anderson (33) walk off the court during a time out during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next

2.Who do you think the Pelicans realistically bring back home to Girod?

Rory: Honestly, I could see none of our free agents returning. Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, and Norris Cole coming off the books provides a chance for a soft roster reboot, and I assume Ferry wasn’t brought in to figure out how to resign Ryan Anderson. Hield is the natural replacement for Gordon, and Tyreke Evans may well be the second unit’s point guard. Beyond that, a scoring threat off the bench in Anderson’s vein should be a priority this offseason.

Preston: Realistically I think the Pels would be lucky to bring home a low cost swingman and combo forward-center on a one or two year inflated contract.  

At the forward/center position they can pursue a player like Jordan Hill, Brandon Bass, Lance Thomas, and JJ Hickson on 1 to 2 year, $8-10 million per year type deal.

At swingman a likewise deal would serve a player like Aaron Afflalo, OJ Mayo, Luol Deng, and Mirza Teletovic.

More from Pelican Debrief

These are not sexy, team changing names and they’re not supposed to be.  They’re solid, veteran contributors willing to join a team without a long term commitment, leaving the Pelicans with the flexibility they need to add a meaningful contributor in the future.

Brendon: I think all of the incumbent Pelicans get renounced pretty quickly as the Pelicans look elsewhere for roster improvements, save for perhaps a small Norris Cole or Kendrick Perkins deal if the market dries up for them considering they have far smaller cap holds than Eric Gordon ($23.2 million) and Ryan Anderson (nearly $13 million). However, Perkins probably wants to go to a contender after the slog of last season, and Cole will probably get decent money from a team desperate for a backup guard in the middle of July.

Rick: Kendrick Perkins. Watching him is fun and entertaining. That’s the only reason he’s here. Norris Cole is replaceable. Anderson and Gordon will make way too much this offseason. If anyone is kept, keep Perkins for the laughs.

Next: Hypotheticals are fun

Home/Pelicans News