The New Orleans Pelicans Should Consider Shane Larkin

2 of 3

Shane Larkin could be a nice fit on the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans Free Agents: Shane Larkin’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Shane Larkin has evolved into one of the EuroLeague’s top scorers, netting 22.2 points per game, but it’s how he gets those points that could intrigue the Pelicans.

Larkin is shooting an outstanding 50.9 percent from 3-point range on 6.9 attempts per game for Anadolu Efes. The EuroLeague 3-point line is slightly shorter than the NBA, but that is still an impressive percentage.

If the New Orleans Pelicans were to take a chance on Larkin, it would be because he can provide instant offense off the bench, shoot the 3-point shot and space the floor. Jackson has been serviceable as a backup point guard, but he’s inconsistent and doesn’t shoot the 3-point shot as well as Larkin.

Larkin is the type of offensive player who could get hot from long range and steal a game for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Larkin is just 5-foot-11, so he lacks Jackson’s size and doesn’t defend as well, though Larkin does average 1.3 steals per game in the EuroLeague. He could potentially be a defensive liability against some of the bigger guards the Pelicans will face in the West.

Any player that has bounced around as long as Larkin will have some glaring weaknesses and he certainly does, but his strength is something the Pelicans could use off their bench.