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New Orleans Pelicans: 25 Best Players To Play For The Pelicans

By Phil Watson

Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view from the court during the second half of a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Miami Heat at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view from the court during the second half of a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Miami Heat at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) goes up for a dunk during the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) goes up for a dunk during the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

2014-16. Dante Cunningham. 24. player. 69. <strong>How acquired:</strong> Free agent, Dec. 4, 2014.. SF-PF

Dante Cunningham found himself in a rough spot after the 2013-14 season, when the soon-to-be free agent was charged with felony domestic assault after his then-girlfriend alleged Cunningham had choked her and slammed her head into a wall as well as sending threatening messages.

Charges were dismissed against the former Minnesota Timberwolves forward in August after inconsistencies emerged in the accuser’s story, but teams were reluctant to take a chance on the versatile 6-foot-8 player.

NOP_24_CUNNINGHAM
NOP_24_CUNNINGHAM /

The

New Orleans Pelicans

finally came calling, signing Cunningham to a one-year deal in December 2014.

Cunningham worked mostly at the power forward spot, starting 27 of the 66 games in which he appeared and helping the Pelicans to their first postseason bid since changing their name the previous season.

Out of basketball purgatory, Cunningham re-signed with New Orleans on a three-year, $9 million deal in July 2015.

Last season, Cunningham played more small forward and started 46 of his 80 appearances, averaging 6.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game on .451/.316/.695 shooting.

In two seasons with the Pelicans, he is averaging 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game, shooting .454/.304/.667.

A four-year player at Villanova, Cunningham was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft and earned a roster spot.

In February 2011, Cunningham was dealt to the Charlotte Bobcats before entering free agency and signing with the Memphis Grizzlies in December 2011 at the conclusion of the NBA lockout.

He was traded to Minnesota in July 2012.

His contract runs through 2017-18, with the final year being a player option.

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