New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Free Agents to Toughen the Roster

Moe Harkless would boost physicality on the wing for the New Orleans Pelicans

Moe Harkless, Wing- New York Knicks

In my evaluation, the biggest weakness for the New Orleans Pelicans is their depth and defense at the wing positions. That’s why I’m heavily rooting for the Pelicans to make a go at New York Knicks wing Moe Harkless in free agency.

Standing at 6’9″ with 220lbs of muscle, Harkless is one of the toughest wings on the market this year. For the Pelicans adding Harkless would be all about defense.

Moe Harkless is a physical defender who is best utilized in both man-to-man and help situations. He’ll maneuver through screens, fight for position in the post, and make life hard for players on the perimeter.

Then, of course, Harkless also likes to do the little things. He’ll apply pressure to force turnovers, dive after loose balls, and do all the other things that the best defensive pests like to do.

The biggest reason for adding Harkless would be his abilities as a help defender. Playing alongside Brandon Ingram, Moe Harkless could help mask some of Ingram’s defensive issues by helping him with a double team or switching. That should make New Orleans a tougher defensive team in the frontcourt.

I expect the New Orleans Pelicans to put a lot of resources into their wing positions this offseason and Moe Harkless would be a cost-effective free agent for the wing.