The New Orleans Pelicans hope Stan Van Gundy can recruit veteran free agents.
The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t going to have a lot of money to spend in free agency, which is why they hope Stan Van Gundy can recruit.
Van Gundy is very popular among veteran NBA players, many of whom have been on his teams, so he might be the deciding factor for free agents who are looking for a new home.
There are several former Van Gundy players who are eligible for free agency this offseason, and he might be able to convince them to come to New Orleans to chase titles with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.
The Pelicans have several offseason needs that will be difficult to fill in free agency after they give Ingram a max contract extension, which is expected to happen.
Barring a big trade of Jrue Holiday, the Pelicans won’t have much cap space to use, which is why Van Gundy could be key in the recruitment process, especially when it comes to veterans.
Some may be willing to take slightly less money to play for a coach they like or to join an ascending young team with a ton of talent.
The Pels could use some depth at the forward position, preferably someone who can defend and has the size to take on some of the giant wings in the Western Conference.
They could also use a center, preferably a veteran who can start and play a lot of minutes while Jaxson Hayes is still learning the position.
The Pelicans will also need a backup point guard if they let restricted free agency Frank Jackson walk.
Here are three guys Stan Van Gundy might be able to recruit who could fill some of the New Orleans Pelicans’ needs.