Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Two Potential Last Minute Replacement Players

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans, Andrew Bogut
Andrew Bogut #66 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: Possible Last Minute Replacement Players

Andrew Bogut, Center

Andrew Bogut most recently played with the Sydney Kings of the NBL, where he made second team All-NBL,  but is not currently under contract with anyone.

Bogut has not announced his retirement, and at age 35, still might have enough in the tank to help someone out.

Though Bogut would be very unlikely to crack the rotation, he brings something to the table that no one else on the Pelicans does, which is championship experience.

Bogut has gone to war in the Finals with the Golden State Warriors, winning one ring and then losing in the 2018-19 Finals to the Raptors.

Bogut has definitely lost a step or two, but still has that veteran savvy and could teach the young New Orleans Pelicans a thing or two about how to thrive in the playoffs.

Currently the Pelicans have Derrick Favors, Jaxson Hayes and Jahlil Okafor as their three bigs, so Bogut could offer some big-body practice competition for Favors and some mentorship to the young Hayes, who is still just 20-years-old.

Even if Bogut never played, he could be a valuable guy to have in practice, as he has always been a high I.Q. defender and passer, who also has plenty of tricks in the pick-and-roll.

Obviously we don’t know which Pelicans contracted coronavirus or who might need to be replaced, but if the Pels are looking for a smart big who would almost be like another coach on the floor, then they should take a look at Bogut.