Possible Free Agents for the New Orleans Pelicans: Readers’ Choice Recap
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Washington Wizards. 42. Power Forward. Dāvis Bertāns. player. 142
Strengths: 3-point shooting, stretching the floor
Weaknesses: Rim protection, rebounding
Key Statistics: 42.4 percent 3-point shooter on 8.7 attempts per game
How he fits with the Pelicans:
Dāvis Bertāns is not a household name, in fact, if you are not a fan of the Washington Wizards, then you probably haven’t heard much of him.
Bertāns arrived to the NBA a bit late at age 24 and didn’t get much run with the San Antonio Spurs in his first couple of seasons.
It was still surprising to see the Spurs make Bertāns available in a trade, as he offers something that every team is looking for: elite shooting.
Bertāns took off this season for the Wizards, raising his scoring average to 15.4 per game and putting himself in the running for the Most Improved Player award.
Bertāns is 6-foot-10 and shooting a scorching 42.4 percent from long-range on 8.7 attempts per game.
His 3-point percentage is 10th best in the NBA, one of four power forwards in the top-ten, but none of them shoot the volume that he does.
That is exactly the type of size, accuracy and volume that the New Orleans Pelicans need to stretch the floor for lane-hogger Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans already have a similar player in Nicolo Melli, but Bertāns is better, younger, and more consistent with his shot.
The only problem with Bertāns is the salary he is likely to command.
His rare combination of size and elite shooting could make him a hot commodity, especially in a free agent class that is light on stars.
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Bertāns will certainly be on the radar of the New Orleans Pelicans, as the basketball fit is definitely there.
It’s all a matter of roster fit and the Pelicans would have to do some shuffling to make room for Bertāns.