With training camp right around the corner, the New Orleans Pelicans roster currently stands at 14 players, leaving one spot available. There are many directions they can go with this open roster spot, but one of two options will be the most likely outcome.
The backcourt is undeniably crowded with guys like Jordan Poole, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, and now rookie Jeremiah Fears in the mix. However, the Pelicans could still look for a veteran guard to accompany their young guys while Dejounte Murray works his way back from his Achilles injury.
Another avenue they may consider is adding another center or forward.
Yves Missi has flashed dominance as a defensive force and rim runner, and newly signed veteran Kevon Looney is a solid option who can give you 15-20 minutes a night.
With that in mind, adding another big man would be a wise move. Missi and Looney can’t stretch the floor, so bringing in a center who can shoot the three would complement Zion Williamson, who works in the paint on most possessions.
Let’s explore several intriguing free-agent options that can help solidify Joe Dumars‘ roster.
Malcolm Brogdon – G
While Brogdon is not the flashiest choice, he can be a valuable piece on a contending team.
The former Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year is coming off an incomplete season in which he averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for the Washington Wizards. Brogdon also shot just 28.6% from three-point range, the lowest mark of his nine-year career.
This is an outlier shooting season for him, however, as Brogdon has a career 38.8% three-point percentage.
Brogdon’s longevity should be questioned, as he only played 24 games last season. His inability to stay on the court, combined with the Pelicans’ murky injury history, could make fans hesitant to sign him. And while his defense isn’t what it once was, he is still serviceable on that side of the ball.
On the offensive end, Brogdon gets to his spots effectively and is a good slasher. He puts his teammates in positions to succeed, often making the right reads in pick-and-roll situations. Moreover, his assist numbers don’t particularly stand out, but he is a solid distributor and is smart with the ball in his hands.
While adding Brogdon won’t thread the needle, his playoff experience and leadership could pay dividends on a young, inexperienced team.
Chris Boucher – C/F
Adding Boucher on a veteran minimum deal would be a smart addition for several reasons.
Last season, Boucher averaged 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds for an underwhelming Toronto Raptors team.
What’s most intriguing about Boucher is his ability to stretch the floor. He is a career 34% shooter from three. Furthermore, the addition of Boucher will provide positional versatility to the frontcourt while also making Zion’s life much easier.
Boucher is a high-energy, tough-nosed player, which fits Joe Dumars’ brand of basketball. He is small for a center at 6-foot-9, 201 pounds, and consequently has limitations on defense. With this being said, however, Boucher could be a solid piece that can inject life into the bench unit.
Like Brogdon, the addition of Boucher would not be anything to write home about, but he can add depth to a thin Pelicans frontcourt.
Amir Coffey – G/SF
Coffey is the move if you want to get a pure shooter/scorer to fill out the roster.
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He’s one of the more underrated shooters in the league, shooting a blistering 40% from three last season. And at 6-foot-7, Coffey can play both shooting guard and small forward, providing much-needed flexibility. He is an average to below-average defender, but his shortcomings on defense can be masked in limited minutes.
You know what you’re getting with Coffey. He’s a borderline elite three-point shooter who plays within the offense and knows his role.
The market for Coffey doesn’t seem very strong, and the Pelicans have the cap space to make a move.
Ultimately, the Pelicans would be wise to sign Coffey with their final roster spot.
Looking Ahead
Other free agents who could be good fits for the Pelicans include Russell Westbrook, Trey Lyles, Bol Bol, Ben Simmons, and Alec Burks.
Who Joe Dumars and company end up signing won’t be seen as a transforming move, but rather as one to solidify the roster and provide depth.
The bottom line is that the Pelicans need to make the playoffs this season. Their future hinges on this season’s success, since next year’s first-round pick will go to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the now-infamous Derik Queen trade.
One thing is for certain, though: you never know what’s next with Joe Dumars at the helm.
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