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New Orleans Pelicans Discussion: Five Offseason Questions

By Preston Ellis

Jun 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry talks during his introductory press conference as executive vice president Mickey Loomis and general manager Dell Demps (center) look on at the New Orleans Pelicans Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry talks during his introductory press conference as executive vice president Mickey Loomis and general manager Dell Demps (center) look on at the New Orleans Pelicans Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Jrue Holiday is the question we can’t escape with the New Orleans Pelicans. All eyes will be on him through the remainder of this season.  With the Bull, Knicks and Sixers in the mix to sign him, how much does he get this offseason, and who gives it to him?

Brian:

My prediction is that the Pelicans will overpay to resign him.  There will be other max level type offers and I can honestly say I would not be disheartened to see him take a different offer.  I like Jrue a lot, but I am of the belief that the NBA is littered with quality point guards and to pay one that much money that isn’t a top tier guy is not the best use of the cap space.

Tyler:

I see the 76ers, Knicks and Pelicans throwing max dollars ($25 million) at Jrue Holiday this summer. Chicago doesn’t seem like a good fit. He’ll be arguably one of the top G’s hitting free agency ahead of George Hill and Jeff Teague. In the end, I see him re-signing with the Pelicans to cement himself as part of the Bayou Big 3.

Wilton:  

I think that all three teams will come after the Jrue hard during NBA free agency with solid contracts or even some max contracts. However, when looking at the dynamics of the team, I don’t see Jrue going back to Philadelphia, even with the players they have and will be returning next season. Chicago and New York would not be the best fits for Holiday. Honestly, I think he will resign with the Pelicans and help form a “Big Three” in New Orleans.

Preston:  

Unfortunately I agree the gents above and I think it’s a mistake.  25-30 million is simply too great a risk for an indecisive ball handler with injury concerns.  He is an above average combo guard but doesn’t take over games, and while a good defender, does not have George Hill/Kawhi type affect on that end.  On Jrue’s end, I think the 76ers would be the best fit.  He would contribute off ball as Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball?, and Joel Embiid would take up most of the usage rate.  He could do what he does best there.

Eddie:

No way can we forget what happened last season during free agency. NBA players getting huge contracts and most likely setting a new precedent.

We had players some of us barely heard of getting $20 million-plus per year. Someone will pay Jrue Holiday. I think by now we have to just accept that there will be very fat contracts ahead.

But I think he will end up back with the Pels.

Rick:

There’s only three point guards better than Jrue in this offseason. They’re Steph Curry, Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry. Point guard is one of the most needed positions in this league and plenty of teams are in demand for one.

Jrue’s getting a max. Lock it in. It’s all up to if the Pels want to pay it to him or if he goes to another team for it.

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