Pelica Debrief
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What To Expect From the New Orleans Pelicans Free Agent Signings?

By Chris Bolton

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 22, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 22, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Pelicans have had an interesting offseason. The team lost their All Star center and starting point guard in free agency. However, NOLA signed two young players who can have an instant impact to fill the void – Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton. What can we expect from these two as they don the blue and red?

If you thought the Pelicans were trying to get up and down the court last year, then oh buddy, Just wait for this season to start. NOLA dipped into the fountain of youth this offseason after acquiring forward Julius Randle and guard Elfrid Payton. Both players are younger than 25, so they are prime for a fast paced offense. The Pelicans were the top ranked team in offensive pace last year, and it isn’t far-fetched to expect their numbers to rise this upcoming season.

The first player the Pelicans brought in this off-season was Elfrid Payton. Poor Payton started off his career playing for the Orlando Magic. During his tenure, the team didn’t draft talent to maximize Payton’s skillset, who is cut in the same mold as former Pelican guard Rajon Rondo. Both are defensive minded point guards who lack great jump shots.

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When in the open floor, Payton can show off his speed and quickness. With coach Alvin Gentry’s guidance, I expect to see the very best version of Payton to date. The Pelicans have the ability to space the floor with players like Holiday and Mirotic, giving Payton the chance to make plays in PnR’s with none other than “Mr.Double Tap Triangle” (shout out to all my NBA 2K players) Anthony Davis.

Payton averaged 12 PPG and 6.2 APG in his short stint with the Phoenix Suns last season. His scoring should stay the same but his assists numbers should see a bump solely off playing with better talent and in a better system. Payton should be a solid contributor for the squad next season.

Then there is Julius Randle. The Lakers recently signed the best player in basketball LeBron James, or as Shannon Sharpe would say “GOAT James.” According to Ramona Shelburne, this prompted Randle to look elsewhere since his role would drastically change in L.A., opening the door for him to join New Orleans. This move can be great for Randle as the Pels lack big man depth, giving him the opportunity to display the different facets of his game.

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Last season, he averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Randle has the ability to rebound the ball and either get the break started or initiate the offense. At times last season, the Pelicans had to adjust what they did to fit DeMarcus Cousins. Although Randle isn’t as great of an individual talent as Boogie, what he does as a mobile big man with guard skills is more suited for the Pelicans play style.

In the half-court, he is another threat the defense has to respect to score in 1-on-1 situations which will really shine through in the post-season when opponents want to key in on Anthony Davis.  Also, when teams play smaller lineups that can expose Mirotic’s defense, Randle can step in as a better option. He can even play the five, giving AD the chance to rest.

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The Pelicans will feel DeMarcus Cousins’ absence. He is an All-NBA caliber player. Those guys don’t just fall from trees. Still, he is recovering from a ruptured Achilled tendon. Investing big money on a player coming back from that injury is risky business. The guys brought in to replace their key departures don’t have the ceiling they hold. However, they do fit into what the Pelicans want to do. Because of that, we should expect both players to have good seasons and to flourish in their new homes.