New Orleans Pelicans: 14 Free Agents We Like Who are Still Playing

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Nerlens Noel #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up against the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: Potential Free Agents

Inexpensive Toughness

The Pelicans played soft in the bubble and it was clear they needed to add some defenders and all-around toughness to their roster.

Here are some guys that bring some grit, hustle and will probably be within the Pelicans’ price range.

Torrey Craig- Denver Nuggets

Torrey Craig fits the definition of a guy the Pelicans need. He’s long, can defend multiple positions, doesn’t need the ball in his hands and won’t cost a lot. Craig has been a defensive specialist for the Nuggets and has very little offensively.

But he can guard several positions, was known as the “Westbrook Whisperer” and could help the Pels woeful wing defense.

Noah Vonleh- Denver Nuggets

Are the Nuggets deep or what? Noah Vonleh can barely get off their bench, but when he has, he’s been an effective interior defender and rebounder.

He would give the Pelicans some more toughness and depth at power forward and can also play center in small-ball lineups. His skillset is the opposite of Melli’s so would be a good counterpart who could play 15-18 minutes a game and bring the toughness and defense that Melli lacks.

Semi Ojeleye- Boston Celtics

With all the wing talent the Celtics have, it’s tough for Semi Ojeleye to get off the bench and his minutes have been sporadic all year. Brad Stevens brings him into the game when he needs to get a stop.

Ojeleye is a big dude with the strength to defend taller guys and has actually improved his 3-point shooting to 37.8%, though his overall offensive game is limited. He’d be another defensive specialist to bring in and compete with Melli for minutes.

Nerlens Noel- OKC Thunder

I’ve written that the Pels should go hard after Nerlens Noel in the offseason. He personally blocked more shots in one bubble game than the Pelicans’ bigs had total in their eight games. He is a rim protector who can run the floor and catch a lob, shouldn’t be too expensive and would bring some defensive identity to the paint. Yes, please.