If Ever An Opportunity, The New Orleans Pelicans Should Trade For Dragić

Today, the game of Basketball is built on strong point guard play. This is not a mere opinion but, rather, a fact. When looking at the top-10 teams in the NBA (according to NBA.com’s Josh Schuhmann) seven of them posses All-Star point guards; Kyrie Irving (Bos), Stephen Curry (GSW), James Harden AND Chris Paul (Hou), Kyle Lowry (Tor), John Wall (Was), Damian Lillard (Por), and Russell Westbrook (OKC). Currently, it is the most important position, for they are the Quarterback of the hardwood. When looking at the state of the New Orleans Pelicans, it is evident that the point guard position is, well, underwhelming.

While one could argue the fact that Jrue Holiday is a viable option at the position, it would be foolish to say he is the one who can lead this team to the “promised land.” No disrespect intended towards Holiday, but I believe his talents are best served at the shooting guard position, thus making it clear NOLA is in need of a “true point guard.” If the Pelicans wish to contend as early as now for a chance at a title, they might want to look to the trading route in order to acquire that missing piece to their “Big-Easy” puzzle. In regards to trade options, is it possible Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragić is exactly what NOLA is looking for; their missing piece?

When looking at their current roster, Dragić seems to be a perfect fit!

Currently speaking, New Orleans holds the seventh spot in the Western Conference with a record of 11-9. And while they seem to be thriving as a unit, specifically on offense (108.9 PPG) there are still a few things that need tweaking if they wish to have a shot at competing in said conference. Most importantly, they need to improve upon their 3-point shooting!

As a unit, the Pelicans shoot an abysmal 34.1% from deep (26th in the league). In todays floor spacing game that statistic does not bode well for anybody, let alone a franchise gunning for a playoff spot. When looking at those shooting two or more three’s per game on New Orleans, six are averaging a field-goal percentage of 30% or better. Non of which are statistics of NOLA’s starting point guard.

Jrue Holiday is averaging 1.1 three point attempts per game while shooting a less than stellar average of 25%. These are not numbers a team should be happy about coming from their starting point guard. He has never been a long range shooter and, frankly, will never be. It’s no knock at Holiday but, instead, a fact. Goran Dragić, on the other hand, has a career average of 36% from deep, with his season average being 40% (4.7 attempts per game). The addition of Dragić would without a doubt better spread the floor for this New Orleans squad which, in turn, would bring the team to the modern age of Basketball.

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Not only would the addition of Dragić widen their scoring arsenal but, also, it would add to their already stellar PPG average. This season, the Slovenian is averaging just under 19 PPG (18.9). Injecting this type of guard into the NOLA lineup would significantly improve their chances of playing into late April, early May and, quite possibly beyond.

As of right now, Miami has shown no signs of being interested in dealing Dragić. In fact, with their current hold of the eighth spot out East, the Heat seem quite content with their roster. However, after 20 games played they are narrowly hovering above .500 (10-9). If they were to perhaps dip in their winning percentage and see their playoff chances dwindle come the mid-way mark, maybe their content could turn into skepticism. Maybe, at this point, the front office gets so weary of their team that they hit the “reset button,” thus propelling them into a somewhat anticipated youth rebuild, thrusting Dragić to the trading block.

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Again, although these are all hypotheticals as of now, a lot can happen within the remaining 62 games on the season. If ever there should be an opportunity to acquire the services of Goran Dragić, the Pelicans should waste no time in calling South Beach. Although he may not be a superstar, Dragić could very well be a “super-piece” to New Orleans’ talented puzzle.

All statistics provided by ‘NBA.com’ and ‘Basketballreference.com’