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*Photo via Getty Images
New Orleans Pelicans (45-37)- (5th Southwest, 8th Western Conference)
Season Summary:
The New Orleans Pelicans capped off a season that wasn’t necessarily a disappointment, or a success. They snuck into the playoffs for the first time since the 2011 season, when they were still the Hornets. However, injuries plagued the team once again and inhibited them from reaching their full potential.
Aside from making it to the playoffs, the Pelicans had a major bright spot this year in Anthony Davis. He proved himself to be a top two or three talent in this league and earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team.
The biggest disappointment for the Pels was once again, Jrue Holiday missing over half of the season for the second consecutive year.
Their season ended in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. In the end, they were too young and short on talent to compete with the eventual NBA champions.
Cap Space: $10,117,339
Free Agents:
C Omer Asik (Unrestricted)
The Pelicans have said that they’re going to push to re-sign Asik. He doesn’t put up great numbers in the points column (7.3 points per game in 2014-15), but he’s a great rebounder (9.8 rebounds in 2014-15) and solid rim protector.
PG/SG Norris Cole (Restricted)
The Pelicans have extended a qualifying offer to Cole. He’s a capable backup point guard with slashing capabilities and a solid stroke. His qualifying offer is worth $3.04 million.
C Jeff Withey (Restricted)
Withey received a qualifying from the Pelicans for $1.15 million. His stats are nothing to marvel at, but then again he hasn’t had much of a chance to play. Depending on what the Pelicans do with Alexis Ajinca, Withey may become the Pelicans new backup center next season.
C Alexis Ajinca (Unrestricted)
Ajinca was a pleasant surprise for the Pelicans. He served as a solid backup center for Asik as he averaged more than six points and four rebounds per game. Since the Pelicans extended the qualifying offer to Withey, I’d be surprised if they bring Ajinca back, but you never know.
SF/PF Luke Babbitt (Unrestricted)
Babbitt is a pinpoint three-point shooter. Even though he only shot it 115 times from deep this year, he made 51 percent of his attempts. His size enables him to play both forward spots and he could return on a reasonable salary. Expect him back with New Orleans.
PG/SG Jimmer Fredette (Unrestricted)
Fredette has not panned out to be the Steph Curry-like people had hoped he would be. For his career, he’s averaged just over six points per game in about 13 minutes of action. I doubt New Orleans brings him back but I hope he gets another chance to play in this league.
SF/ PF Dante Cunningham (Unrestricted)
Even though Cunningham filled in fine with the Pelicans, I don’t see him being back. He’s versatile defensively in that he can play both forward spots, but he’s extremely limited offensively. His five points in 25 minutes per game this past year leaves much to be desired.
Team Needs:
Defense- the Pelicans were ranked 23rd this past year in opponent field goal percentage. They need guys who can stay in front of the opposition instead of banking on Davis to block everything.
Versatility Off the Bench-the Pelicans have a solid starting lineup, but with their injury history they’ll need additional bench players who could fill in and play big minutes.
Veteran Leadership- The Pelicans are one of the younger teams in the league and could use a few more veteran guys in the locker room.
Possible Targets:
SF Richard Jefferson-Jefferson has turned into a solid three and D guy. He could fill in off the bench and play the three spot as well as some shooting guard and power forward.
SF Wesley Johnson-The same reason I liked Jefferson is the same reason I like Johnson.
SG Jason Richardson- Though he isn’t winning dunk contests anymore, J-Rich is a capable long-range specialist with versatility to play the shooting guard and small forward positions. Plus, Gentry is familiar with him from his Phoenix days.
http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/teams/New-Orleans-Pelicans/19/Playoff-History
http://www.spotrac.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/cap/
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/new_orleans_pelicans/
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NOP/2015.html
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12307054/nba-free-agents-2015-2016