New Orleans Pelicans: One Realistic Free Agent Option from Every Team
New Orleans Pelicans: Free Agent Options in the Central Division
Central Division
Milwaukee Bucks- Kyle Korver
The Bucks don’t have much in the way of unrestricted free agents. This one only makes sense if they were to trade J.J. Redick, as they have similar skills. Korver is 39-years-old and in the twilight of his career, but he can still hit 3-pointers at a high rate. He’s shooting 41.8% from long-range on four attempts a game, which is still pretty valuable.
Indiana Pacers- Justin Holiday
One of our favorite available free agents, Justin Holiday is a lengthy shooting guard who can defend and shoot three’s. He’s having his best season from behind the three-point line, shooting 40.5% on 4.5 attempts per game. He’d be great alongside his brother Jrue Holiday and would improve the Pelican’s perimeter defense off the bench.
Chicago Bulls- Shaquille Harrison
Most of the Bulls’ free agents fall into the “RUN AWAY!!” category, although Kris Dunn could generate some interest as a perimeter defender. Shaquille Harrioson is intriguing mostly because of his size. He is 6-foot-7, has played some point guard, and could potentially develop into a defender. He’s also very cheap and would represent a chance to get a reward for a low risk.
Detroit Pistons- Thon Maker
John Henson is a decent rim protecting forward who could be an option, Langston Galloway has some value as a bench scorer, though he is very streaky, and the Pels could choose to go after Christian Wood, a guy who they let walk for nothing and who might have played his way out of their range. Maker hasn’t been great so far, but he is still just 23 years old, seven-feet tall and has potential as a stretch-five. Maker has moments that make you wonder how is isn’t a dominant player, then has moments that make you wonder how he is in the league. I’m convinced that Maker can still be a weapon on the right team, he plays his butt off every play and still has untapped potential. I’d take a shot on him.
Cleveland Cavaliers- Ante Zizic
It’s a grim scene in Cleveland when it comes to free agents. Tristan Thompson would potentially be a nice fit, but not at his price tag and it’s a big fat no on Matthew Dellavedova. Zizic hasn’t done much in the league, but he is 23 and has the kind of size the Pelicans need down low. Cleveland doesn’t have many options and is probably a stay-away.