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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the New Orleans Pelicans

By Jason Klaer

March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) grabs a rebound in front of Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) grabs a rebound in front of Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates from the bench with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the fourth quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 117-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates from the bench with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the fourth quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 117-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bring back Boogie

Fans were crazed when Cousins was traded to New Orleans at the deadline. On top of Davis, Cousins has the potential to score 30 points and grab well over 10 rebounds consistently. Many believed this move would propel the Pelicans into the playoffs. Lackluster play took over which kept New Orleans on the outside looking in when the regular season came to a close.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see what damage Cousins and Davis can do together across an entire season. Perhaps the second half of this season was just a dress rehearsal of what is to come. The Pelicans actually are heading in a positive direction by having both these powerful inside presences on the roster. Getting Cousins to ink an extension and commit to New Orleans could be hugely important.

As mentioned, the Pelicans should be active in the free agent market. Filling a couple of gaps could make a difference for New Orleans in terms of playoffs. Yes, the Davis and Cousins contracts take up space. There are still plenty of avenues to go down in terms of shopping on a budget. If New Orleans is making it back to the playoffs, they need their two big men playing well and secure for the future.

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