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

By Jerry Christodoulatos

Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the second quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the second quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 22, 2017; Metairie, LA, USA; Omri Casspi (18) and DeMarcus Cousins (0) were introduced by the New Orleans Pelicans at a press conference at the New Orleans Pelicans Practice Facility. They came to the Pelicans in a trade from the Sacramento Kings. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Omri Casspi

Coach Dave Joerger didn’t trust Casspi in Sacramento last season and never really gave him a chance to play extended minutes. That decision was especially strange because Casspi was one of the few standouts for the lowly 2015-2016 Kings. The Pelicans took on Casspi back in February as part of the DeMarcus Cousins trade, although they immediately waived him after he unfortunately broke his thumb during his first game with the team. He would be a nice fit in New Orleans if the franchise could bring him back and could play big minutes at the three and backup four spots.

Casspi wouldn’t be a sexy free agent signing, but the Pelicans could really use his all-around game. Although Bogdanovic is a higher volume 3-point shooter, Casspi is just as accurate. He is a more versatile player than Bogdanovic on both ends of the floor, providing sturdier defense and (slightly) more playmaking juice. He can improve the offensive production of lineups that feature both Davis and Cousins by giving them extra space to operate, while his gritty defensive game won’t hurt those lineups on defense. Perhaps more importantly, Casspi should be available on the cheap. So New Orleans can sign him regardless of whether or not Holiday returns.

Casspi’s game could have a substantial impact on the Pelicans. Had he not gotten injured back in February re-signing him might have been a formality because they had his Bird Rights. The market for him might be a little more competitive now. Signing him at the Biannual Exception would be perfect, although the Pelicans will likely have to dip into their MLE to reacquire the 28 year-old.

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