2. New Orleans
Dec 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard
Gal Mekel(24) during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Another point guard to New Orleans? Hear me out.
The Pelicans will have guard Eric Gordon out for yet another stretch of games, a seemingly annual tradition at this point. Per ESPN’s depth chart, Jimmer Fredette is listed as the team’s back-up point guard, although they’ve recently signed free agent Gal Mekel. However, neither of them have shown themselves as solutions.
With Anthony Davis entering his prime and the Pelicans sitting below .500, the team may realize that it’s now or never to contend. While Lin isn’t the type of player who can make or break their season, he is one who can add a missing element to the Pelicans, bringing in dynamic scoring and playmaking off the bench.
Imagine a pick-and-pop with Ryan Anderson? Just having Anderson on the court spaces the floor for Lin’s drives, something he hasn’t had in Los Angeles.
The Pelicans don’t have many contracts that fit into a Lin trade unless you’re talking a three-for-one swap, which is a lot to give up for a player like Lin. A player like Austin Rivers, who has struggled in New Orleans, could be an intriguing piece if Byron Scott and Mitch Kupchak see potential in him. The Pelicans will most likely give their 1st round pick to the Rockets and the 76ers are owed their 2nd round pick, ruling both of those options out.