New Orleans Pelicans: 4 Cheap Centers to Replace Derrick Favors

New Orleans Pelicans: Two younger free agent centers to replace Derrick Favors

There are also a few free agents who fall into the “once had huge potential, haven’t lived up to it, but are still young” category.

These are guys who are producing similar numbers to Favors now, but are younger and still have some upside. These guys might be a little more expensive, but should still come on team-friendly contracts that could be hugely valuable if they improve.

Alex Len- Sacramento Kings

Alex Len was a huge bust in Phoenix and people have pretty much written him off, but he is only 27 and still has the pedigree of being the 5th pick in the draft.

Len is a legit 7-footer and averaged 8 points, 5.8 rebounds this season while making just $4.25 million. He doesn’t shoot 3-pointers , but he can be a decent shot blocker who has averaged 1.2 blocks per game for his career.

Len will probably never justify his selection in the draft, but could be a serviceable center for someone on the cheap.

Nerlens Noel- OKC Thunder

I’ve written about Noel a lot, so I won’t belabor the point, but he is one of my top free agent targets for the Pelicans.

Noel made just $2.02 million this season but is definitely going to get a raise, as he was one of the most efficient defensive players in the league.

Noel only played 18.5 minutes per game this season but still averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He had 2.3 Defensive Win Shares compared to Favors’ 1.6 and is much more athletic.

Noel may have played himself into a bigger contract, but he could be a value pick up for the Pelicans and is only 26-years-old.

None of these four are going to get the Pelicans to the title, but they can replace Derrick Favors for less money and allow the Pels to invest their resources elsewhere.