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New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: John Salmons to start at forward?

Jan 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward John Salmons (25) reacts to a foul called by official Matt Boland (18) against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward John Salmons (25) reacts to a foul called by official Matt Boland (18) against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans are trying to make sure that they’re in the thick of a playoff race either this year or in the very near future but that’s easier said than done.

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The lineup still needs to be ironed out and in all the switching around, veteran free agent signing John Salmons may find his way into the starting lineup. According to NOLA.com, the Pelicans may very well start Salmons at small forward this year assuming Tyreke Evans doesn’t slide over from guard.

"Still, the small forward position appears to be the Pelicans’ weakest spot heading into next Tuesday’s start of training camp. It’s likely that Salmons, a 12-year veteran, will be in a competitive battle with third-year forward Darius Miller and Luke Babbitt for the starting job."

Salmons has been around the NBA for a while, bouncing from Milwaukee to Chicago to Toronto and Sacramento. His time in New Orleans is going to be defined by how well he can fit in and be a veteran leader, and getting a role in the starting lineup is a good way to accomplish that.

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