New Orleans Pelicans: One Free Agent to Watch in Every Eastern Conference First-Round Series

Chris Boucher could be the rim protector the New Orleans Pelicans need.

Chris Boucher, Power Forward- Toronto Raptors

The Raptors vs. Nets series contains a multitude of potential free agents that would be high on the Pelicans’ wish list if they had unlimited money.

In fact, can the Pels just have ALL of Toronto’s free agents?

Fred VanVleet would be an expensive bench option that the Pelicans cannot afford, though his toughness, defense and winning ways would be perfect.

Marc Gasol would be a nice big man addition and Serge Ibaka is probably the most ideal free agent the Pelicans could get.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely they’d be able to afford any of them, as all of these guys, particularly Ibaka and VanVleet are going to get paid, especially if Toronto makes a deep run into the playoffs.

The free agent crop is weak, so there will be a bidding war for their services and there are other teams with a lot more cap space.

Same for Joe Harris of the Nets, who is an elite 3-point shooter and might get a near max deal from someone.

That leaves big man Chris Boucher, who has some intriguing upside.

First of all, he averages a block a game in 13.2 minutes per game, so he would already be the best shot blocker on the Pelicans.

He is a 6-foot-9 power forward who can defend centers, grab rebounds and is the perfect guy to come in and compete with Nicolo Melli for minutes. Boucher is not a terrible 3-point shooter, runs the floor well and provides energy on the defensive end, which the Pelicans desperately need.

Boucher is a guy who could flourish with more opportunity, he will come cheap and he fits a need. He’s one to keep an eye on.

Honorable Mentions

Marc Gasol, Center- Toronto Raptors

Serge Ibaka, Power Forward- Toronto Raptors

Fred VanVleet, Point Guard- Toronto Raptors

Joe Harris, Guard- Brooklyn Nets

Tyler Johnson, Guard-Brooklyn Nets