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5 Roster Moves The New Orleans Pelicans Need To Make

By Matthew Hallett

Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Upgrade At Center

The New Orleans Pelicans already have a premier shot blocker in Anthony Davis, so having Kendrick Perkins, who is almost exclusively a defensive presence, is not required.

Of the other two centers, Omer Asik is massively overpaid at $11 million per season. The return of 4.0 points and 6.1 rebounds is not enough to justify that. Unfortunately his contract is guaranteed until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Alexis Ajinca is also guaranteed until the end of the 2018-19 season, but for just half the cost of Asik.

If the world was Pelican-friendly, they would find a trade partner for either one of these players and they could move on from these terrible decisions.

Unfortunately, I can’t see many teams looking for a center who does not produce, except possibly for the Houston Rockets, who are going to be looking for a tall player with the probable departure of Dwight Howard.

If they can ship Asik back to Houston, they can look to sign free agent Bismack Biyombo. Bismack would for a formidable wall with Davis, but that is a pipe dream at the moment.

I can see New Orleans trying to sign a player like Roy Hibbert, currently of the Los Angeles Lakers. Hibbert has a chance of success with New Orleans as he is playing alongside a dominant shot blocker in Davis.

Next: Get Toney Douglas to opt in

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