New Orleans Pelicans should sign Austin Rivers

The shooting guard was just released by the Phoenix Suns after being apart of a trade that sent him from the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran small forward Trevor Ariza. Should the New Orleans Pelicans sign him?

The New Orleans Pelicans are looking for some wing depth. Austin Rivers is looking for a team. It seems like we have been down this road before. Rivers was drafted by the then Hornets in the 2012 draft along with number one overall pick Anthony Davis. The thought process was an inside-outside duo of Davis and Rivers would propel New Orleans into contention for years to come.

Those dreams were quickly dismantled after just three frustrating, injury prone seasons in New Orleans. The Pelicans would trade him to the Boston Celtics in a three team deal. Ironically, Rivers was traded again just three days later, this time joining his father Doc Rivers in L.A.

It was here where Rivers experienced his most successful times of his career. Just last year, Rivers started in a career high 59 games and saw career bests in points (15.1), assists (4.0), and three-point percentage (37.8%). Even with a career year under his belt, Rivers again was traded, as this time he ended up with the Washington Wizards.

Coming off the bench with the Wizards, Rivers averaged 7.2 points in 29 game appearances.  So why would Rivers make a good choice for the Pelicans to sign?

First, the Pelicans need the backcourt depth. New reports are that starting point guard Elfrid Payton may not be back until after the start of the year. That’s still over two weeks away. With the New Orleans Pelicans currently sitting one game below .500, they must do whatever possible to keep pace in the Western Conference.

Secondly, Jrue Holiday needs a break. He currently ranks second in the NBA in minutes played per game, partly due to the fact that there aren’t many options behind him that are consistent enough. Frank Jackson had to be sent to the G-League for a stint before being recalled. Tim Frazier has been starting, but is definitely not a long-term option for success.

A veteran guy like Rivers who has had success starting in the league just last season, could at least spell Jrue in some situations that may allow him to get an extended rest. Rivers may also be able to guard some elite wing players as well, since Jrue has solely taken on this responsibility for the team.

Third, Rivers may be able to provide some punch off the bench. The Pelicans rank 29th out of 30 teams averaging an abysmal 29.6 bench points per game. Assuming that Payton can return and stay healthy in the starting lineup, Rivers could at least be counted on to come in the game and knock a few shots down.

It will take Rivers a couple of days to clear waivers and officially become a free agent. While this move certainly would not propel the New Orleans Pelicans to the top of the Western Conference, simply standing pat won’t as well.