The New Orleans Pelicans spent the summer shoring up their frontcourt, locking up their key big men for the next few years. However, the Pelicans may not be done with their offseason just yet, as there are empty slots in their backcourt.
Right as the clock struck 12 am ET on July 1st, the Pelicans signed their superstar power forward Anthony Davis to a five-year, $145 million extension which is the richest contract in league history.
Of course Davis deserves every single penny of his new contract which will kick in during the 2016-2017 NBA season. At just 22 years of age and three years in the NBA, the two-time All-Star has developed into a top-five player in the league and singlehandedly carried his team to the playoffs last year for the first time since 2011.
Davis put up monster numbers last season, averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.9 blocks, and 1.5 steals on 53.5 percent shooting from the field. The 2012 first overall pick significantly improved his offensive game, adding a consistent mid-range jumper to his repertoire, not to mention his jab and go post move. Keeping him secured on the roster for the next six years was a smart move by the Pelicans.
Davis wasn’t the only big man on the roster to receive a new contract. Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca also earned new, well-paid deals. Asik inked a five-year, $60 million deal, while Ajinca signed a four-year, $20 million contract.
Both big men provide excellent size in the middle and great rebounding. Asik, 29, is not much of an offensive threat, but his seven-foot lanky figure allows for him to protect the rim and snatch rebounds at a high rate. The Turkish, however, struggled during the playoffs last season, but he is an important piece to puzzle for New Orleans.
The 7-foot-1 Ajinca is another lengthy center with the ability to alter shots at the rim and rebound. In limited time, the Frenchman averaged 6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks off the bench. The 27-year old figures to play the same role this upcoming season but may see a slight increase in minutes.
Another big man the Pelicans added to their roster this offseason was Kendrick Perkins. Although Perk may not earn many minutes, he will be the veteran voice on the team to help guide them during the playoffs. Perkins is a one-time champion with plenty of experience, having been to the NBA Finals four times throughout his career. His numbers may not be too galvanizing, but the 12-year veteran is the perfect locker room presence for this young team.
Other frontcourt pieces the Pelicans re-signed were Dante Cunningham and Luke Babbitt.
Cunningham joined the Pelicans midway through last season and turned out to be a fine addition. In 66 games, the Villanova product averaged 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds, doing just enough to impress the coaching staff and front office to earn a new deal.
Babbitt, meanwhile, is a deadly long-ball shooter, as he made 51.3 percent of his three-point shots last season, playing in 63 games and earning 19 starts. If the Pelicans roster remains healthy, Babbitt’s role may diminish, but if his number is called upon, he will adequately fill in for any injured player.
The final addition to the team has been Alonzo Gee, the athletic wing player out of Alabama. Gee split time between the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers last season but did not gain much play time. Even with the Pelicans, the six-year man may serve as a third string player, but he adds more depth and assurance at the wing.
As mentioned above, the Pelicans may not be done making moves. They are still determined to keep their restricted free agent point guard Norris Cole but have yet to discuss a new deal with him. They may add extra backcourt pieces as well to complete their roster, but for now, they have primarily focused on strengthening their frontcourt.
It may be unfair to judge New Orleans’ offseason at this time, but they have still made some solid moves up to this point.
Off-Season Grade: C+