3 bargain bigs Pelicans must pursue in NBA Free Agency
06/23/2024 04:07 PM
Team building in the NBA requires varying levels of compromise as executives juggle a star-driven competition while balancing the directives from ownership. A perfect example of this is the New Orleans Pelicans entering NBA free agency and having to look at bargain-big big men free agents to round out their roster next season.
The Pelicans are in a precarious spot, having a promising future with a young and talented roster that is about to get expensive. However, they need to bolster their frontcourt depth to make a significant leap in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans are betting Zion Williamson can handle some frontcourt burdens when not running the offense. An increase in rebounding percentage and defensive intensity would go a long way to helping the team earn a top-six seed. Karlo Matkovic will come into training camp with an opportunity to earn rotational minutes as a rookie. The 21st pick, Larry Nance Jr., and/or a player to be named later will have to handle the rest of the front-court minutes.
The Pelicans have built through trades and not free agency historically. Still, EVP David Griffin will have to either re-sign (slight chance) or replace (very likely) Jonas Valanciunas this summer. Richaun Holmes, Nic Claxton, and Isaiah Hartenstein will likely cost too much for the luxury-tax-adverse Pelicans.
They’ll have multiple bidders for their services from other sure-fire contenders in larger markets. With that in mind, here are three affordable frontcourt players the Pelicans should consider signing in the 2024 NBA free agency.
Andre Drummond rings a bell
Andre Drummond has played for almost half of the league at this point and would be welcomed back into plenty of locker rooms. That says a lot in this business. The soon-to-be 31-year-old can dominate while patrolling the paint in short bursts with outstanding rebounding and above-average shot-blocking.
Drummond has played 12 seasons for 6 teams, averaging 12.7 points and 12.4 rebounds in 864 regular-season games. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and has been the league’s top total rebounder after four different seasons. The Chicago Bulls got nine rounds a night from Drummond in less than 18 minutes per game and is still a rim-pressuring threat in the pick-and-roll.
There is not much left to mystery when it comes to Drummond’s approach to the game. The limitations are known but he can still create matchup problems for opponents. Drummond simply brings a level of consistency to whatever role is offered, something the Pelicans will value from this roster spot.
Xavier Tillman can grow with the Pelicans
The Pelicans have been linked to young bigs like Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Myles Turner over the years. Jonas Valanciunas and Steven Adams played musical chairs at the starting five spot. Xavier Tillman might be the youthful center that New Orleans needs though.
Given the Pelicans allegedly prefer a dynamic, Point-Five Second style of play, Tillman could be a valuable addition to Willie Green’s rotations. Tillman’s athleticism and ability to play both ends of the court would complement the Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III core. His defensive prowess could help the Pelicans contain the perimeter, a key aspect of their defensive strategy.
Valanciunas could not help much when pulled out of the paint, but Rudy Gobert did not fare much better against Luka Doncic in the NBA Playoffs. Tillman helps in those matchups that require switching on defense often.
Moreover, Tillman's experience with the Celtics, a team with a strong winning culture, could bring a new level of maturity and leadership to the Pelicans' young roster.
Tillman’s potential to contribute in multiple facets of the game, including scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots, could provide the Pelicans with the versatility they need to compete at a higher level. He made only $1.6 million last season. New Orleans needs to be at the financial top end when Tillman looks at offers.
Jalen Smith becoming a trusted journeyman
Jalen Smith set new career highs in points per game (9.9), field-goal percentage (59.2%), and three-point percentage (42.4%) running next to Tyrese Haliburton with the Indiana Pacers. Smith also has an NBA Finals run on the resume as a rookie with the Phoenix Suns.
The 2020 NBA Draft’s 10th overall pick has seen the league mostly from winning locker rooms and could be just the trusted young journeyman the Pelicans need to bring in.
Smith can play as the center or power forward with the Pelicans. He is also rumored to be opting out of the current $5.4 million player option.
A three-year deal for between $17-20 million would probably suffice. It gives Smith some long-term security and the Pelicans would remain financially flexible with another plus-asset contract on the books. The only red flag on Smith concerns how the was phased out by the Pacers during the postseason.
Cody Zeller was brought in last season to provide some championship-level experience to the locker room. These three players could provide New Orleans with valuable on- and off-court contributions without breaking the bank.
The 2024 free agency period will be crucial for the Pelicans as they look to build a competitive team around their young core. Finding a cheap big man to fill out the roster and eat up regular season minutes is crucial to upgrading the NBA Playoffs rotation.
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