Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 Free Agents The New Orleans Pelicans Should Consider This Summer

By Terrence Verwayne

Jan 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathon Simmons (17) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathon Simmons (17) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Jan 24, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) sets for a foul shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Spurs won 108-106. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) sets for a foul shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Spurs won 108-106. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

Patrick Patterson

Unrestricted Free Agent

At 6’9”, Patrick Patterson is an undersized power forward but a perfect fit as a stretch-4 in the NBA. He brings energy with him off the bench, runs the floor well and is a valuable asset in pick-n-roll offense.

Although undersized, Patterson has enough strength to defend down low and enough quickness to defend and close out on the perimeter. He likes to hover around the three-point line where he does most of his damage as a spot up shooter; connecting on 37.2 percent of his attempts from three on the season.

I expect the Pelicans to be in the market for backup frontcourt help this offseason. Donatas Motiejunas is likely out after this season and if New Orleans is able to finally shed the contracts of Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca (who I think they should keep), there will be a void behind AD and Cousins. Patterson isn’t a low-post presence by any means, but is a guy that can play alongside either big while spacing the offense with his outside game.

Home/New Orleans Pelicans