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The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off their second-best record in franchise history at 49 wins, and most since they rebranded themselves as the Pelicans. For the most part, they managed to stay healthy until the very end of the season when Zion Williamson went down during the team's play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the offseason right around the corner and NBA free agency approaching, the Pelicans should look to re-sign Naji Marshall, as well as a couple of interesting targets on the open market.
The major question the Pelicans have looming once free agency hits is what to do with Jonas Valanciunas. The general consensus seems to be that Valanciunas has played his final game for the Pelicans. Given the slim pickings at center on the NBA free agency market and the Pelicans not having much money to spend, re-signing Valanciunas wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Valanciunas certainly has his limitations, but he is still a double-double threat and a viable option in the post. But on the flip side, he takes away space from Williamson in the paint. It would be very surprising to see him back in Pelicans jersey this offseason as per Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.com, so that's why he's not included on the Pelicans free agency targets list.
With that said, here's a look at some of the players the Pelicans should try and target in NBA free agency.
Pelicans need Isaiah Hartenstein if the price is right
With Valanciunas' pending departure, the Pelicans are going to need a starting center. Even amid the league-wide shift to shooting big men and small ball, size is still a necessity in the NBA. And perhaps the best free agent center available is Isaiah Hartenstein.
Now the Pelicans already have quite a bit of cap space tied up with three players in Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum. Barring an unforeseen trade, that doesn't give them much room to work with and Hartenstein is likely to command a hefty pay raise.
Following Mitchell Robinson's injury issues throughout the season and into the playoffs, Hartenstein filled in admirably as a starter. He's athletic, worked on his three-point shot (33.3 percent) and can be a double-double threat as well. The one issue that would hamper the Pelicans efforts though is the price tag.
Hartenstein is likely in line for the biggest pay day of his career so far. The Pelicans should still do their due diligence and inquire about him, but he might not be realistic.
Tyus Jones is the playmaker and ball-handler the Pelicans need
One of the Pelicans' most glaring weaknesses last season was their lack of a true point guard. McCollum has always been more of a shooting guard. The Pelicans offense was hampered by not having a true point who could facilitate and get everyone easy shots.
Tyus Jones has long been one of the most underrated and under appreciated point guards in the NBA. In terms of free agent money, he likely wouldn't command much. The Pelicans definitely need to put feelers out for his services. Jones had a career year this past season to the tune of 12.0 points and 7.3 assists. He shot 48.9 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range.
The Pelicans do have player option backup point guard Jose Alvarado. While Alvarado is a high energy player and tough defender, the need for a true playmaker at the one is too glaring for the Pelicans not to address this offseason. It might be time to move in another direction.
Pelicans need to re-sign do-it-all Naji Marshall
Of the Pelicans key free agents, the top player they need to bring back is Naji Marshall. Marshall has become a Swiss army knife type player for the Pelicans. He knows his role and plays it well, does a little bit of everything on the court. One of the top things he's worked on is his floor spacing.
Marshall shot a career-high 38.7 percent from three-point range last season. He's also a strong defensive player who can guard multiple positions. And perhaps most importantly, he's the Pelicans enforcer. The only issue though could be his salary.
Undrafted in 2020 NBA Draft, this could be Marshall's first chance at a long-term, lucrative contract. There will probably be no shortage of suitors looking to add him to their roster. Suitors that could conceivably offer more than the Pelicans. In the end, would Marshall be willing to take a hometown discount on the team that gave him a chance in the NBA, or does he rightfully cash in on a bigger pay day.
