New Orleans Pelicans: 4 Free Agents to target post-NBA Draft

4 Free Agents the New Orleans Pelicans can pursue now that the 2020 NBA Draft is over

What a night it was last night, maybe not for the New Orleans Pelicans, but definitely for the NBA. The 2020 NBA Draft happened and with that came many moves that could shake up the balance of power in the NBA.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, it certainly seems like they’re focused on building for the long-term after they selected Kira Lewis Jr. with the 13th pick in last night’s draft and then proceeded to trade the rest of their selections to build up assets.

Of course, that doesn’t change the fact the Pelicans still have some clear holes on their roster preventing them from contending next season. Now, David Griffin did say after the draft that the team isn’t done making moves and they are looking at bringing some key free agents in. So with about $9 million to spend in free agency, let’s look at who the Pelicans could be targetting.

Harry Giles could be an intriguing addition to the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to his two-way ability and youth

Harry Giles- Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings made the foolish mistake of not qualifying Harry Giles last offseason, as a result rather than Giles being a restricted free agent this year, he’s completely unrestricted and available for the New Orleans Pelicans to bid on.

The reason why I’m mentioning Harry Giles first on this list is that he’s the only free agent available that is 22 years old with plenty of growth and potential still left in his game. Adding Giles to the New Orleans Pelicans is adding another young big man to the roster that fits the timeline of the team’s young core.

Of course, the biggest concern with Giles is injury, that’s why he’s on the market. Harry Giles missed his entire rookie season recovering from an ACL injury he sustained in college at Duke and then struggled through a rusty rookie season.

However, last season was a semi-breakout for Giles as injuries to other players on the Sacramento Kings pushed Giles into the starting lineup where he flashed some serious potential. In 4 straight games in February he scored in double-digits while starting, showcasing to the NBA world an impressive mid-range and some legitimate shot-blocking ability.

I believe Giles’ aforementioned injury history will keep his price low and that could allow the New Orleans Pelicans to swoop in and add him to their roster. In a lineup featuring other young stars and a solid coaching staff put together by Stan Van Gundy, Giles can be managed more than he could be by other teams. The Pelicans could continue to grow his defense and expand his range to beyond the arc.

Add in the fact that Giles is another player with a Duke connection and even knows guys like Brandon Ingram on the roster, and I think we have the makings of an underrated signing that could be a home run for the New Orleans Pelicans. Giles is not the only young player that the Pelicans could eye either, what if they dipped into the restricted-free agent market?