Possible Free Agents for the New Orleans Pelicans: Readers’ Choice Recap
Miami Heat. 99. 110. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Forward. Jae Crowder. player
Strengths: 3-Point shooting, toughness, team chemistry, wing defense
Weaknesses: Shot blocking, speed, running the floor
Key Statistics: 39.3 percent 3-point shooter on 6.8 attempts, 1.5 steals per game
How he fits with the Pelicans:
Jae Crowder is no stranger to packing his bags.
The veteran wing has played for six different teams in his career, which is strange considering he’s been a productive role player everywhere he’s been.
Currently on Miami, Crowder is enjoying one of his best statistical seasons, scoring 11.9 points per game and adding 5.8 rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals.
Most importantly, Crowder is shooting 39.3 percent from 3-point range on 6.8 attempts per game, which is exactly the type of volume and accuracy the New Orleans Pelicans are looking for in a wing.
Crowder is capable of guarding both forward positions and can shoot the three, which makes him an upgrade over Nicolo Melli, who can shoot but is limited defensively.
The New Orleans Pelicans can run, score and dazzle you with highlight-reel alley-oops, but they don’t play much defense, especially on the wing.
Crowder would bring a toughness and defensive identity that the Pelicans currently lack, and would instantly be a fan favorite for his blue-collar, hard-nosed style of play.
Crowder would also offer the New Orleans Pelicans something they desperately need: a way to slow down LeBron James.
James killed the Pelicans in the Lakers’ season sweep and New Orleans was forced to use smaller players like Josh Hart and Jrue Holiday to try to stop him.
It didn’t work, and LeBron had his way with the Pelicans.
Look, no one has been able to stop LeBron in 17 seasons, but he is more symbolic of the problem the New Orleans Pelicans face, which is that they cannot stop big wings.
Crowder would be an instant upgrade defensively on the wing and could work in small-ball lineups with Zion Williamson at the five and Ingram at small forward.
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The New Orleans Pelicans need a big wing who can shoot, and Crowder fits the bill.
Crowder is still just 29, so he may get a contract worth more than his current $7.81 million, which represents one of the better value contracts in the league.
He may be priced out of the New Orleans Pelicans’ range without some kind of trade, but he is a nice fit from a basketball perspective and would be an upgrade to the starting lineup or bench.