With the opening of NBA free agency fast approaching, the Pelicans need to hit a home run with what will most likely be their only free agent signing. New Orleans may be limited to only signing one guy because of their cap situation. The Pels only have a projected $5.7 million in available money this summer from the Taxpayer Middle Level Exception and it is important they use it to not only get the best guy but also the best fit.
We repeatedly see that rebounding at a high level helps win games, whether on the offensive or defensive glass. The Pels struggled with this last year, ranking 19th in the association in rebounds per game. This need for rebounding can be addressed in free agents, as New Orleans can look to add a backup center to play behind Yves Missi, who will just rebound the hell out of the ball.
Underrated and Undervalued
Charles Bassey could be the answer. This past season was Bassey's 4th year in the league, and he averaged 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds a game for the Spurs, well blocking just under one shot per game in only 10 minutes a night. If you converted those stats to per-36 numbers, he would have averaged 15.0 points, 14.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks. He truly shows he is among the most underrated guys in the NBA.
Although he only appeared in 36 games last season for the Spurs, Bassey's limited appearances weren't a talent or skill issue, as he spent much of the season dealing with different injuries. But when on the court, he was a monster, bringing incredible energy, hustling hard for rebounding, and defending the basket—all the things the Pels could use off the bench.
Starting with his rebounding, the 24-year-old ranked in the 98th percentile in offensive rebounding percentage. Bassey found himself only behind names like Steven Adams and Mitchell Robinson, two guys who hold extreme value in the league as guys who create second chances for their teams. Bassey is seen as a guy without a ton of value, which is just outright wrong. His ability to rebound can help the Pels win games.
He was also extremely underrated as a rim protector, ranking in the 98th percentile in block percentage. Bassey has always been a great rim protector, though, dating back to his time in college at Western Kentucky. In his last season, he averaged 3.1 blocks per game and carried an 11.5 block percentage, which was among the best in the country.
At 24 years old, Bassey fits the young timeline of this Pelicans team and could be a significant pick-up in free agency. He is an ideal high-energy big man who could be used. The way he crashes the basket so hard and battles for rebounds is something the Pels need desperately. On the defensive side, his ability to block and alter shots could further elevate the Pels' rim defense.