3 ways Meyers Leonard could help the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans possible free agents: Meyers Leonard

Spreading the Floor

Fans talk a lot about these modern stretch-fives, centers who can step out and hit 3-point shots, but if you look around the league, there really aren’t many of them.

Most of the so-called stretch-fives are really just big guys who can shoot 30 percent fro 3-point range, but most of the time you would rather they stayed down low.

Leonard is one of the centers who can actually shoot, in fact, it’s probably the only reason he’s still in the league. Leonard shot 41.4 percent from 3-point range this season and has shot as high as 45 percent in his career.

He’s gotten better as a passer, so Leonard could be a guy who works well in the pick-and-roll with any number of current Pelicans. A seven-footer popping out for 3-point shots is hard to stop, so Leonard could be even more of a weapon from behind the arc with increased opportunity.

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be looking for guys who can spread the floor for Zion Williamson, who is a beast in the lane and needs room to operate. The only way to stop him is to double him in the post, which is a problem if he is surrounded by shooters.

Zion will eventually get some time as the primary ball-handler in the Pels’ offense, so it makes sense to pair him with a big man who can either shoot or make plays.

Leonard fouls too much to play big minutes, but he could be an effective offensive weapon for 25 minutes a game, allowing the Pelicans to spread the floor for Zion.