The New Orleans Pelicans Must Make a Decision on Darius Miller Soon

The New Orleans Pelicans Should Keep Darius Miller

The New Orleans Pelicans are loaded with talent but they do have some holes that will need to be filled in the offseason.

They need a solid backup point guard, a wing who can defend or shoot (preferably both) and a defensive-minded center.

Some of these will be filled via the draft and free agency, though if the salary cap goes down the New Orleans Pelicans won’t have a ton to spend.

There also aren’t a lot of intriguing unrestricted free agents hitting the market, and the ones who are may be priced out of the New Orleans Pelicans’ price range.

It’s possible the New Orleans Pelicans can find someone cheaper, but when you look at salaries for small forwards, Miller is pretty much in line with what guys of his status make.

This is especially true if Miller continues to improve his long-range shooting. He shot 41.1 percent in 2017-18 on 4.4. attempts and played in all 82 games. If Miller could replicate those numbers next season on a few more attempts per game, then he would actually be a bargain.

The New Orleans Pelicans would not only be betting on Miller’s health but on his linear improvement, as he has gotten better every year he’s been in the league.

Miller is a known commodity that plays an important position, makes a reasonable salary and very well could have his best years in front of him.

Miller would be a $7 million risk worth taking, as he can fill a valuable role for the New Orleans Pelicans at a moderate price.