2019 NBA Free Agency: Grading every deal the Pelicans have made thus far

J.J. Redick

The New Orleans Pelicans weren’t good from the three-point line in the 2018/19 season—to be subtle. They were 20th in the NBA in three-point field goals made and 24th in three-point shooting percentage last year. And despite their roster overhaul, shooting was still a genuine concern entering next season.

So, naturally, David Griffin went out and got one of the best marksmen in NBA history, J.J. Redick. A player whose efficiency and production is showing no significant signs of slowing down at age 35. Last year with the Sixers, Redick connected on 240 three-point field goals (good for 7th in the NBA). Darius Miller led the Pelicans last year with 133 makes from distance, Jrue Holiday finished second with 118—that’s 251 combined to Redick’s 240…yeah.

But he’s much more than just a perimeter threat, as illustrated by his 18.1 points per game (career-high), his assists totals which have nearly doubled in average his two years in Philly compared to his last two in Los Angeles, and he also connected on 50.2 percent of his 2-point field goals.

He’s adept at coming off of off-ball screens and getting his shot up quickly, moves incredibly well without the basketball and has a knack at drawing fouls in the act of shooting (attempted 3.4 FT’s a game and drew 72 shooting fouls last year).

Likewise, he brings experience to a very young locker room. He’s a personable guy, easy to get along with, he’s going to help Gentry with the direction of this roster. The term is completely reasonable for what he is, this was a great acquisition by David Griffin and company.

Grade: A