Whether the New Orleans Pelicans decide to rebuild or contend for the playoffs next season, they will need a veteran center. Kristaps Porzingis is the guy who can help the Pelicans now and be a veteran presence for their younger players.
I must admit I am not the biggest Porzingis fan, even when he started his career with the New York Knicks and looked like a potential superstar. Injuries and inconsistency hurt Porzingis from ever becoming “the unicorn” player he was built up to be.
It’s the skills that had fans calling him “the unicorn” that would make him a great fit on the Pelicans.
Porzingis is 7-foot-2 and can shoot the three. The Pelicans have been searching for this ever since they drafted Zion Williamson. Porzingis is 36% from behind the arc for his career, shooting as high as 41% just a couple of years ago with the Boston Celtics. The Latvian giant also has averaged 1.8 blocks per game over his career.
He would give the Pelicans the best of both worlds: three-point shooting and shot-blocking.
KP is a perfect fit for the Pelicans
At his best, Porzingis averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. If the Pelicans manage to sign him in free agency, they will not be getting that type of production.
With 10 years of NBA experience under his belt, Porzingis is now more of a role player. He has also had trouble staying healthy throughout his career, but any player with 10 years in the league likely has had issues with injuries.
Last season, between the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors, Porzingis averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. I would take that in a second.
If the price is right, the Pelicans should target Porziņģis. He would give them a veteran center who can stretch the floor around Williamson. Imagine having Williamson on the floor with the 7-foot-2 Porziņģis and 6-foot-8 Trey Murphy III, both capable of knocking down threes. Even in a rebuild, Porziņģis would still be a good addition as he can mentor younger big men like Derik Queen and Yves Missi.
With his age and injuries, it might be tough for Porzingis to secure anything more than a short-term deal. It remains to be seen just how much money per year the seven-footer will be looking for on the free agent market. There likely will be several teams interested in signing Porzingis for the same reasons the Pelicans should be interested in signing the big man.
One way or the other, Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver should be on the lookout for a veteran center. Porzingis has the exact skills the Pelicans need out of the position and would be a great addition to the team.
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