New Orleans Pelicans: What Happens with Frank Jackson?

The New Orleans Pelicans Should Re-sign Frank Jackson

The qualifying offer for Frank Jackson currently stands at $2.02 million, which is basically Michael Carter-Williams money, a good deal for a guy with Jackson’s potential.

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to need a backup point guard either way, and it would be foolish to waste cap space on a veteran when they can get similar production from a guy already on the team.

Jackson is still just 21-years-old and plays the toughest position in the NBA, which means he is likely to get better.

The Pelicans could go out and make a splash in free agency or a trade, but Jackson could outplay the guy they sign if he is given the minutes on another team.

If the Pelicans signed a guy like D.J. Augustin and had to pay $5-7 million for him, would it the upgrade be worth it?

The Pelicans also need a defensive wing and another center, needs that probably outweigh a backup point guard, especially at that price.

If Jackson improves, paying $2 million for him would be a steal.

The Pelicans can hope shot doctor Fred Vinson can work his magic on Jackson and get his 3-point shot closer to 40 percent, which would make him more effective in half court sets, as teams would not be able to just back off like they do now.

Jackson has also flashed signs of being a good defender, averaging nearly a steal per game in less than 13 minutes.

His handles and penetration are getting better, so if his 3-point shot and defense improve, Jackson would be an ideal backup.

The problem is that other teams have probably noticed this too and someone is almost certain to offer Jackson more than the qualifying offer.

If so, the New Orleans Pelicans should probably just walk away, as they don’t want to get into a bidding war for a third point guard.

But if the offer is reasonably close to the qualifying offer, then the New Orleans Pelicans should just re-sign Jackson and tick off one of their offseason boxes at a discount.

The Verdict

There are compelling reasons to let Jackson walk, and there are good reasons for keeping him. It really just comes down to how much another team is willing to pay for his services.

If the Pelicans can get Jackson at or near the qualifying offer, or lock him up to a team-friendly long-term deal, then they should, as he has shown enough potential to warrant a chance.

If some other team wants to bet on this potential and pay Jackson way more, then you wish him good luck and send him on his way.

The Pelicans will have some tough decisions to make this summer but Jackson should be a no-brainer. If you can get him cheap, keep him, if not, let him walk and find a veteran.

Thanks for reading and stay safe out there!