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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Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Luke Babbitt (8) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The League Leader In 3-Point Percentage

For some reason, I like Luke Babbitt. Maybe it’s the fact that he led the league in three-point percentage among all qualified players at 51.3 percent — despite only averaging 4.3 points in 13.2 minutes per game. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s only 26 and can still be a useful floor spacer. Or maybe it’s the long hair that makes him look like the French king from Disney’s The Three Muskateers.

Either way, signing Babbitt to a two-year, $2.5 million extension is chump change for a player who adds a bit of depth and three-point shooting to the rotation.

Babbitt was a fringe rotational player last season, but in Alvin Gentry’s system his trademark skill could give him a bigger role in 2015-16. Above all else, this re-signing signifies the front office’s belief that the biggest change that needed to occur this summer was in the head coaching spot. To that end, bringing back Babbitt and his career 40 percent three-point shooting on such a minuscule deal is a good move.

Grade: B

Next: Keeping Cunningham

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