The re-start of the season in Orlando gives the New Orleans Pelicans a chance to scout some under-the-radar free agents who are available this offseason.
This NBA season has been like no other, but it has also afforded some unique opportunities to the New Orleans Pelicans.
While scouting college and international prospects has gotten a lot more difficult, the Pelicans will have some extra time to evaluate guys like Darius Miller, who will get a chance to prove himself in Orlando.
It will also give a unique opportunity to scout upcoming free agents.
The New Orleans Pelicans have few glaring weaknesses, but would love to grab a wing who can defend, a backup center and possibly backup point guard depending what happens with their own free agents.
Even if the Pelicans re-sign Brandon Ingram, which is very likely, they will still be light at the wing, as Miller and Kenrich Williams have been injured and largely disappointing.
Frank Jackson has shown some promise but could still be upgraded if the Pels feel he is not part of the future. With Derrick Favors a free agent, the Pels will need at least one center even if they are able to retain Favors at a lesser price tag.
Their wish list will have to be filled efficiently, as the Pelicans won’t have much cap space, especially if the salary cap plummets as is expected after the loss of revenue due to the coronavirus.
The Pelicans will need to find some under-the-radar guys or a reclamation project who can produce on the cheap, as they are not going to have big bucks to splash around this summer, especially with the Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson extensions looming.
Here are two players who fit into the category of “under-the-radar” and neither is likely to be heavily pursued in the offseason, which might create an opportunity for the New Orleans Pelicans to swoop in.