Torrey Craig is an unrestricted free agent who the New Orleans Pelicans should pursue.
The Denver Nuggets had to withdraw their offer to Torrey Craig, making him an unrestricted free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans should pick up the phone.
Adrian Wojnarowksi broke the news that Craig would become an unrestricted free agent after Denver pulled their qualifying offer:
Denver has pulled the qualifying offer on forward Torrey Craig, which allows him to become an unrestricted free agent, source tells ESPN. The Nuggets have valued Craig, but ran out of roster spots for him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
It appears that Denver just didn’t have space for him but their loss could be the Pelicans’ gain.
Craig is definitely not a top-tier guy but he is a useful player who could fill a role for the Pelicans at a low cost.
New Orleans Pelicans: Torrey Craig is a nice fit as a small forward free agent
The New Orleans Pelicans need depth at both forward positions. They have no backup or counterpoint to Brandon Ingram and the only other power forward on the roster is Nicolo Melli.
Craig is a 6-foot-7 wing who can defend multiple positions and is the type of player the Pelicans need: a scrappy defender who doesn’t need the ball to contribute.
Craig was often tasked with defending the other team’s best wing so Denver will definitely miss his defense, especially after losing Jerami Grant in free agency as well.
The New Orleans Pelicans were 20th in the league in defense and need to add more guys who are committed on that end, even after the trade for Steven Adams.
Craig is not much of a shooter, but the Pelicans already missed out on top 3-and-D free agent Jae Crowder, so may look to the next tier of wings to add some depth.
If Craig comes on a team-friendly contract, which he’s should. he would be a nice fit as a bench defender.