New Orleans Pelicans: Grading The Offseason

Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a score by the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) shoots over Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Raptors 100-97. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Re-Signing Ajinca

Not many people outside of New Orleans paid much attention to Alexis Ajinca last season, but he was a somewhat useful backup big for the Pelicans in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

In fact, that when the Pelicans agreed to a four-year, $20.2 million deal with Ajinca before the Asik contract, some even wondered if New Orleans was planning on moving Asik.

To be clear, Ajinca is not a starting-caliber center, even though he averaged 9.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in eight starts. But he’s two years younger than Asik at age 27, he’s on a MUCH more manageable deal at about $5 million a year, and he’s a lot more competent on the offensive end.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans need the most help on the defensive end after boasting a top-10 offense last year. This is a swallowable deal for a backup, but even before New Orleans massively overpaid Asik, no one should’ve been expecting anything more than that. In the context of the Asik extension (more on this in a minute), this slight overpay looks worse than it is.

Grade: C-

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