New Orleans Pelicans: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Rondo revival

After trading Frazier for a second round draft pick, the Pelicans needed more stability in the backcourt than rookie Frank Jackson was going to be able to provide. To that end, landing Rajon Rondo on a one-year contract isn’t a bad deal by any means.

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Though Rondo has built up a negative reputation for himself over the years, and though he’s no longer the player he once was, the former All-Star point guard was lauded for his veteran influence on a young Chicago Bulls locker room and showed up in a big way during their first round playoff appearance, when he averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 assists and 8.5 rebounds through the first two games.

Last year, Rondo’s numbers fell to 7.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, but he also shot a career-high 37.6 percent from 3-point range. That number might not be sustainable, and he clashed with the Bulls’ coaching staff as he’s been known to do, but pairing him with Holiday in the backcourt makes for an intriguing dynamic.

With NOLA strapped for cap space, a $3.3 million deal is tremendous value, and even on a one-year deal, his relationship with DeMarcus Cousins might be a bonus when it comes time for free agency next summer. If Holiday can learn to thrive off the ball, a distributing point guard like Rondo might work wonders with so many offensive weapons around him.

Grade: A-