Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Should Consider Pursuing Danny Green This Summer

By Mark Nilon

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 13: Danny Green #14 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 13, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 13: Danny Green #14 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 13, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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Danny Green, one of the NBA’s most reliable 3-and-D wings, has a player option that needs tending to. According to sources associated with the NBA, Green may be considering opting out of his contract, thus thrusting him into unrestricted free-agent territory. If this speculation happens to become a reality, the New Orleans Pelicans should be very interested in acquiring his services.

2017-18 was an unfamiliar season for the San Antonio Spurs. Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs franchise cornerstone, was shelved for all but nine games. The team struggled to make it to the postseason, finishing as the conferences seventh seed with a record of 47-35. And, San Antonio got trounced out of the first round in a gentlemen’s sweep fashion at the hands of the Golden State Warriors (4-1).

With all of these dilemmas that came into fruition during the year, the Spurs being seen as a pristine and luxurious landing spot for free-agents this offseason may not be as true as it once was. Because of this, it could play a role in forcing some of their own free-agents out the door in search of greener pastures. And yes, Danny Green could be one of those casualties.

This summer, the 30-year-old swing man will have to decide on whether he wishes to opt in or out of the remaining one-year left on his contract. If he opts out, it would make the 3-and-D specialist an unrestricted free-agent. With this potential freedom to choose his next destination, the New Orleans Pelicans should do everything in their power to entice Green to come to the land of Po-Boys.

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Last season, the Pelicans experienced the most success they’ve seen in over a decade. Though they lost their second best player mid-way through the season (DeMarcus Cousins) NOLA battled through adversity and ended up making it all the way to the Western Conferences Semi-Finals. With this, the Pelicans now look to continue their success into next season. What better way to do this than by addressing the teams weaknesses via the draft, trades and, of course, free-agency.

Tuesday, we asked our followers on Twitter which position they believed was the most important for NOLA to address this offseason. From our findings, the most popular answer seemed to be a wing (shooting guard/ small forward). We here at PelicanDebrief couldn’t agree more!

Currently, NOLA’s starting small forward is E’Twaun Moore. While he did see career highs all across the board in this role (12.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG) he is not a viable option at the position moving forward. Solomon Hill, had he not suffered a hamstring injury in late August, would have been the teams starting three for the season. However, even he would not be the most ideal fit as he’s athletically challenged and not much of a threat offensively, for his career high in points-per-game averages is 8.9 and has a career average of 6.2. With this, it may be evident to the franchise that they are in need of an upgrade. Danny Green could very well be that upgrade!

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For his career Green holds an average of 12.6 PPG on 42% shooting from the field and 40% from downtown. During his nine year career, Green’s built up the reputation as being one of the leagues best 3-and-D wings. He’s achieved many great accomplishments over the years including an NBA All-Defense selection and, perhaps the highest honor, an NBA Championship (2014). What Green could add to a team like New Orleans would be invaluable.

He would bring veteran leadership along with a championship pedigree, exceptional perimeter scoring and perimeter defense. Imagine the potential three-headed monster of Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Danny Green on the defensive side of the ball! It would without a doubt be in contention as one of the leagues best. Take all this, coupled with the fact that NOLA needs to upgrade their wing position, and you have a strong case as to why they should try and sign Danny Green.

Next: Solomon Hill - Pelicans Best Wing Option

A Green/ Pelicans marriage this offseason would be a true match made in heaven. However, this is all contingent on what he decides to do with his player option. The final day for Green to make a decision on his contract is June 24th. As for the Pelicans, they should keep close tabs on San Antonio’s 6-6 swingman.