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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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Apr 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots against Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) in the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots against Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) in the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Backcourt help

New Orleans has its interior all taken care of. Its biggest concern lies in the backcourt. With Holiday becoming a free agent and endless inexperience at the guard position, New Orleans main goal this offseason has to be searching for a sound backcourt. Davis and Cousins will not be able to do it all on both ends of the floor.

The Pelicans’ 2016 first-round selection, Buddy Hield was a bright spot for the franchise but he had to be shipped out to acquire Cousins.  E’Twaun Moore is a decent scorer but he lacks size and plays below-average defense. The Pelicans should shoot for a tone-setter who can set standards for the younger players.

Holiday has attempted to be a role model in his four seasons, but injuries have made it difficult for him to create a successful stay. Most likely, Holiday is going to walk away and look at his other options. Drafting is a start for the Pelicans, however testing the free agent market would not hurt them at this point.

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With the firepower inside the paint, New Orleans does not need to look long and hard. A consistent scorer and distributor will suffice.

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