The New Orleans Pelicans let a few of their costless agents walk this off-season, but they have reloaded on talent.

The four players they have lost this summer are Al-Farouq Aminu, Anthony Morrow, Jason Smith, and Brian Roberts as they signed with the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets respectively. All four were important pieces, but the Pelicans have replenished with more talent.

Early in the off-season, they struck a deal with the Houston Rockets, acquiring Turkish 7-footer, Omer Asik. The Rockets were dumping Asik’s salary because they were confident that they would attract a superstar. Asik will join the up-and-coming superstar Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.

Asik is a high volume rebounder and has a lengthy frame which helps him protect the rim on defense. He and Davis will make for an intimidating defensive duo in the frontcourt. One could imagine the rim protection and all the boards those two will be gobbling down. This move not only helps Davis, but the Pelicans’ bench depth as well because sharp shooter Ryan Anderson will now come off the bench where could easily put up about 15-17 points per game.

Unlike with the Rockets last season, Asik will receive a starting role and plenty of minutes with the Pelicans. The one season that Asik was a starter, he averaged 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game. That kind of production is going to be enormous for New Orleans.

New Orleans added another sharp shooter to its bench in Jimmer Fredette. Jimmer may not see significant minutes, but the Pelicans may need the depth at the shooting guard position since both Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans are prone to injuries.

John Salmons was the veteran piece the Pelicans brought in this summer. At this point in his career, Salmons is not going to be a big time scorer every night, but he may still put up large scoring outputs occasionally. More so, Salmons will instead bring experience to the team.

Lastly, the Pelicans re-signed Darius Miller. He adds more shooting off that bench and could possibly see more minutes this season, if he is able to outplay Luke Babbit.

The acquisition of Omer Asik has more than made up for the New Orleans Pelicans’ losses this off-season. Besides, New Orleans has added a couple of other solid pieces to their bench this costless agency, and they have a slight chance of possibly snatching a playoff spot this upcoming season, barring injuries.

Grade: B-

Depth Chart:
PG: Jrue Holiday/Austin Rivers/Russ Smith
SG: Eric Gordon/Tyreke Evans/Jimmer Fredette/Dionte Christmas
SF: Johns Salmons/Luke Babbit/Darius Miller
PF: Anthony Davis/Ryan Anderson/Kevin Jones
C: Omer Asik/Jeff Withey/Alexis Ajinca/Vernon Macklin
Coach: Monty Williams