Knicks’ free agents that will interest the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: Knicks free agent Taj Gibson

Gibson is one of those guys who is key to a good team even though he doesn’t fill a stat sheet. He hustles, plays smart team defense, grabs tough rebounds and essentially does all of the little things.

Gibson is 35-years-old and like Rose, seems to thrive with Thibodeau, so I could see the Knicks bringing him back on a small deal as he has played really well in the playoffs.

He’s a long shot to leave New York but if the Pelicans are looking for a low-cost veteran defender who can still give you 18-20 minutes a night, Gibson would be a great choice.

New Orleans Pelicans: Knicks free agent Nerlens Noel

Anyone who has read this site regularly knows I’ve been beating the Nerlens Noel drum for a long time.

He was a guy I thought the Pelicans should have pursued, as he is cheap and provides something the Pelicans really need, which is shot blocking.

The Pels were 24th in the NBA in blocked shots per game, and though Steven Adams did help improve the interior defense, the Pelicans still need a rim protector.

Noel averages 2.2 blocks per game this season and has continued to improve his overall defense, so is a guy who makes sense for the Pelicans as a backup.