Pelica Debrief
Fansided

3 transaction targets to boost New Orleans Pelicans hopes for an eighth-seed run

By Willie Lutz

Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 04: Jeff Green #22 of the Utah Jazz guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 4, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 04: Jeff Green #22 of the Utah Jazz guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 4, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Jeff Green, Forward, Free Agent

On the free-agent market after going through waivers without a claim, Jeff Green is available as a veteran forward for a team that needs someone to play limited minutes on a team that isn’t in dire need for scoring efficiency.

While I made this pitch just a few days ago, I’m still somewhat surprised that Green is even still on the market, let alone the fact that the Utah Jazz waived him in the first place.

Averaging 7.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 30 games, Green simply didn’t play good enough basketball in his 18.4 minutes per game to stay on Utah’s struggling bench.

While he never even caught a DNP-Coach’s Decision, Utah cut their losses and went a different direction on their bench.

Seemingly, their offseason mindset to add Green to boost an already solid Jazz roster into a contender is the same logic the Pelicans would convey in signing the forward.

Green was also already on a veteran’s minimum deal in Utah, which should be a good sign for the New Orleans Pelicans; they can sign the veteran to a contract set to expire after the season and cut their losses early if Green doesn’t contribute to winning.

Seemingly, it’d be an easy veteran pick-up and a way to replace the minutes that aren’t being properly filled by either Nicolò Melli and Jahlil Okafor. It’s a way for this team to get better in the frontcourt.

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