Considering low-cost free agents who can add toughness to the New Orleans Pelicans roster
I love playoff basketball, it’s as simple as that. Seeing the intensity teams play with when the games matter and the pace slows down, there’s nothing better. Right now, the New Orleans Pelicans are not equipped to play that style of basketball.
That could be part of the reason they flopped in the bubble. When looking at this year’s playoff teams, several rotation players are there to add grit and intensity to their teams.
I’m talking about guys like Jae Crowder in Miami, Daniel Theis in Boston, and Alex Caruso in Los Angeles. These guys aren’t superstars, they’re scrappers.
When the games slow down in the playoffs and things get tough these players become committed to the fight. They go to work in competitive games by doing the little things.
These players make their living diving for loose balls and bullying their way inside for rebounds. In my opinion, these were the type of players the New Orleans Pelicans lacked this season, and instead of trying to add more star power the team’s front office should focus on adding toughness.
Luckily the New Orleans Pelicans organization is now led by David Griffin who spent a lot of time in Cleveland adding tough role-players to surround LeBron James. If David Griffin and the Pelicans front office follow that strategy during this offseason here are three tough veterans they should target.
Reggie Jackson could be a gritty back-up point guard option for New Orleans Pelicans
Reggie Jackson, Guard- Los Angeles Clippers
Don’t let all the injuries fool you, Reggie Jackson is a tough player. When fully locked in and engaged, Reggie Jackson will do whatever it takes to win.
He isn’t the player he once was, but Reggie Jackson could be an ideal candidate for a veteran back-up point guard. Standing a 6’3″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, Jackson plays big for his position with a lot of effort.
On defense especially, Jackson likes playing passing lanes, diving for loose balls, and using his body to defend bigger opponents.
Then on the offensive side of the ball, Jackson will grind there too. An excellent three-point shooter for most of his career, Jackson isn’t afraid to pull up with the defense tight on him or use his body to get into the paint.
Seeing such a high motor at the point guard position would not only boost the New Orleans Pelicans toughness but also give Lonzo Ball an engaging mentor to bring some of those qualities out in him.
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.
The New Orleans Pelicans could add Tristan Thompson to improve their rebounding
Tristan Thompson, Big- Cleveland Cavaliers
I know, some of you just felt the urge to vomit reading Tristian Thompson’s name. Some of you might even think he’s softer than a plush blanket, but I’d love to see David Griffin reunite with Tristan Thompson as a depth piece.
Tristan Thompson gets a bad rep from Kardashian drama and a few passive playoff performances, but when engaged he’s an aggressive effort rebounder which is something the Pelicans need.
Over the past two seasons, Thompson is averaging 10 rebounds per game which includes an impressive 4 offensive rebounds per game. That skill on the boards could be useful if the New Orleans Pelicans have to grind out some games next season.
When games slow down every possession matters and having Thompson getting a few offensive rebounds could give the New Orleans Pelicans a major boost and even steal them some games.
Thompson isn’t an elite rim-protector but when he’s playing at his best he shows the capabilities of an above-average interior defender which can help boost a New Orleans Pelicans defense that allowed the third-most points in the paint.
Adding players like the ones we just described not only can make the youthful Pelicans better on the court also gives them a tougher mental edge.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, adding these traits are a priority because that’s how the best teams in the NBA win. Yes, having star players is important, but it’s often having smart veterans who fill out the rotation that can make the biggest impact.
Just look at how teams like the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat win with depth. Then think what if the New Orleans Pelicans added tough veteran depth pieces like that too?