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

3. Tony Snell

Tony Snell, who turns 26 in November, demonstrated substantial improvement after receiving an expanded role with the Bucks this past season. Snell shot 40.6 percent from 3-point land on nearly 4.5 attempts per game (Per Basketball-Reference); he’s not a great corner 3-point shooter but if the shooting touch he flashed last season continues, then he would be an automatic starter for this Pelicans team. The most valuable skill that Snell provides is tough defense.  He can guard both the two and three spots against any team, and can stick with many of the league’s point guards as well. Despite his thin body frame, Snell is athletic and strong enough to keep players from getting past him and puncturing his team’s defense.

The combination of reliable defense and competent 3-point shooting that Snell provides are exactly what the Pelicans need to improve their wing rotation.  These skills allow Snell to play big minutes without requiring constant touches to make an impact on the game, which is important for a team with two high usage stars and a very good point guard. If he were to join New Orleans, Solomon Hill would no longer have to play big minutes at the three spot. Hill can defend small forwards, but using him as a power forward when either Davis or Cousins rests might be a better use of his talents.

Players with Snell’s skill set are in high demand across the league, so he might be slightly out of New Orleans’ price range if they do in fact retain Holiday. Regardless, they should pursue him at the MLE.