New Orleans Pelicans: Best Free Agent Option Based on Hustle Stats

The New Orleans Pelicans Need Guys Who Hustle

How Gary Clark Fits on the Pelicans

Gary Clark is a fit on the Pelicans in a variety of ways.

First of all, he is a 6-foot-6, 225lb. combo forward who can back up both forward positions, which is something the Pelicans need.

They lack strength and size at both positions and Clark would be able to cover either in short bursts.

Clark is on the final year of a deal that paid him just over $555,000 for the season, so even if Clark gets a big raise, he is still going to come cheap. The Pelicans won’t have much money to spend in free agency and Clark could potentially give them a lot of production at a low cost.

His screen setting would be a huge benefit, as the Pelicans don’t have anyone who can set a hard screen, especially if Derrick Favors leaves.

They also need players who dive on the floor for loose balls, and close out possessions on the defensive end, which Clark does well. He also gets out and contests shots, something the Pelicans were abysmal at this season, especially in the bubble.

Clark gets a hand in the shooter’s face and at least makes it tough, whether he is contesting a 2-point shot or closing out on a 3-point shooter.

The sad thing is that Clark played just 13.5 minutes per game for the Magic and still ranked higher than any Pelican in every hustle category. In fact, you have to dig deep into the list to find Pelicans, which shows how badly they need this type of player.

Clark isn’t a guy who needs the ball in his hands or who will take a lot of shots, so he is a perfect complement to their high-powered offense.

The Pelicans lacked hustle all season, and need to find guys who don’t mind doing the dirty work to win games.