Top 3 Free Agent Targets for Pelicans
Pels Press • June 29, 2023
Free Agency is Overrated....right?
If you have been a fan of the New Orleans franchise for very long, you know that Free Agent Basketball players (especially good ones) seem to avoid the Crescent City at all costs.
While I personally have no idea why it tends to lead to some overall underwhelming Free Agency periods for the Pelicans, This could also be why we appreciate and admire players we draft that much more. (Except Day-to-Davis)
With all that being said, I have three players that I think are attainable for the franchise and would genuinely fill a space that is lacking in this current roster.
#1: Decent Bigs
My fellow brothers and sisters of Pelican Nation, I HAVE SEEN WAY TOO MUCH TERRIBLE BACKUP CENTER PLAY. Jaxson Hayes, Derrick Favors, KENDRICK PERKINS. I AM. TIRED.
An easy solution to this problem is to get someone cheap and reliable, and that can be a positive for 15 minutes a night. Enter Mason Plumlee. I know what you’re thinking. I promise, he is better than you think he is. His rebounding, passing, and, honestly, screen setting are well above average for a backup Center in today's NBA. We have not had an above-average backup Center in years, so just getting someone who is available and average with upside is a huge improvement. Plus, one-handed free throws are fun.
#2: Shooting
Blah, Blah, Blah. Every team needs shooting, especially the Pelicans. Yeah, I know this is kind of a boring take, and I am just as tired of talking about it as you are of reading about it. Unfortunately for both of us, that doesn’t make it any more true. Genuinely, I believe targeting a player like Seth Curry should be heavily pursued by David Griffin. Movement shooting, body control, and most importantly, a vet who will actually see the court (Sorry, GT. He's still a legend, though.)
#3: An actual PG
This one is probably the grossest one yet. I don’t know why, but ever since he snitched on one of his teammates, the league has really not liked DLo. However, I know a team that could use his services AND benefit from them.
Listen, I love the idea of Zion playing "Point Zion" for every game next season. The truth of the matter is that we truly have no clue how many games he will play. That leads me to a guard who has experience, can be a positive in the right system, and is willing to come off the bench. I think Russell would do great in that role; this would obviously move the Pelicans to more of a 10-man rotation. However, with how injured the team tends to be, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
What do you think? Who should the Front Office go after? Or do you want to run it back? Let Me Know!
-Jacob Compton (@PelsPress)
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Discussing how the Pelicans get into the lottery & a few prospects to keep in mind.
Tulane Green Wave fans have plenty to celebrate this cycle and previous. According to the latest 247Sports composite rankings, the Green Wave have landed the two highest-rated recruits in program history for the Class of 2026, and they’re not just any two prospects. Tylan George, the massive interior offensive lineman from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, sits at No. 1 with a 0.8939 rating. The 6’3”, 310-pound 4-star prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, earning praise for his pancake block totals and elite strength (515-pound squat, 315 bench as a junior). George brings immediate size, power, and local pride to an offensive line room that’s hungry for impact talent. Right behind him at No. 2 is Jordyn Crites, the 6’6”, 255-260 pound defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Texas. Crites recently earned his 4-star upgrade and a 0.8926 composite, making him one of the most athletic and long defensive linemen in the class (83-inch wingspan, 4.8 forty, 530-pound squat). He played both defensive end and tight end in high school and brings versatility, length, and upside that fits perfectly in Will Hall’s defensive scheme. Together, George and Crites represent a seismic shift in Tulane recruiting. Not only are they the top two in the 2026 class, but their ratings mark a new ceiling for what the Green Wave can attract. One bolsters the trenches on offense with mauling power; the other adds length and explosiveness on defense. Both have potential to contribute early and raise the floor (and ceiling) for their respective position groups. This isn’t just a good class, it’s a statement. Tulane is no longer just competing for regional talent; they’re landing blue-chip prospects who have Power conference offers and are choosing to build something special in New Orleans. The Green Wave are trending up, and these two are the new faces of that ascent. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X