New Orleans Pelicans: 3 early free agent targets for summer of 2020

By Cody Taylor | Feb 10, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 7: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 7, 2020 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 13: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 13, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

#3 Jahlil Okafor, New Orleans Pelicans, Center, UFA

I’m starting off this list with the Pelicans’ own Jahlil Okafor. I wrote last summer about how much his game improved and the team rewarded him by picking up his team option for the current season.

Well, I feel with the growth and development of Jaxson Hayes and the salary owed to Derrick Favors in the near future, retaining Jah will be beneficial.

Okafor has put decent numbers in 27 games (9 starts) for the Pelicans this season at 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Not the best of numbers but being third big on the roster will have that effect on a player.

With his comfort in Alvin Gentry’s system, the knowledge gained in said system for 2 seasons in the Big Easy going forward could provide a cheaper veteran option behind the rookie Hayes moving forward into the bright Pelicans future.