Free Agency 2023

Free agent Jalen McDaniels has agreed to a two-year, $9.3 million deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023

Ugh why did it have to be the lakers. Would have loved to have Jax back on the minimum even tho he has no ball IQ it still feels like he is going to break out. The Pelicans need to sign a playable forward an I dont know who that will be.

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Originally Posted by hornetsrebirth

Ugh why did it have to be the lakers. Would have loved to have Jax back on the minimum even tho he has no ball IQ it still feels like he is going to break out. The Pelicans need to sign a playable forward an I dont know who that will be.

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Go acquire Mo Bamba for what is probably the min at this point.

If we're not going to trade JV, Bamba is a perfectly fine backup rim protector with some upside.

Free agent G Donte DiVincenzo has agreed on a four-year, $50 million contract with the New York Knicks, Jason Glushon of @GlushonSM tells ESPN. DiVincenzo reunites with his Villanova title teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart to bolster the Eastern Conference semifinalists. pic.twitter.com/MSr1wXS4GC

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023

The Rockets are trading Josh Christopher to the Grizzlies, per @KellyIko. pic.twitter.com/tOV8NWoJwb

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 1, 2023

Rocket's fan comment on Dillon Brooks

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Dillon Brooks | Eye Test: FFS ~~~ Advanced Stats: FFS

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:hihi:

Well can forget about Mo. Trey aint a fan.

Yeah i dont like Mohamed @TheRealMoBamba

— TMIII (@treymurphy) July 2, 2023

Starting to feel like we should have kept Hernangonez maybe he could have gotten real minutes this coming season with Jax gone and Z often hurt.

i heard one of the lakers talking heads say that we drafted jax with one of the picks we got from the lakers in the AD trade.....

i guess thats where jax was supposed to be lol...

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Originally Posted by 6warddude

i heard one of the lakers talking heads say that we drafted jax with one of the picks we got from the lakers in the AD trade.....

i guess thats where jax was supposed to be lol...

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The whole 2019 draft was kind of a disaster for us.

Zion - the definition of when he plays he's great, but he never plays. Has played in ZERO playoff games since being in the NBA.

Jax - Negative basketball IQ or IQ in general. As Fred Sanford used to say "You big dummy!"

NAW - Fringe NBA player at best. I still pull for him though because he's a good kid.

Didi - Not an NBA player, or even close.

Out of 4 picks only (1) is still here, and he is always injured.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

RFA Austin Reaves has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $56 million Early Bird maximum contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Agents Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry of AMR Agency negotiated the new deal to keep Reaves in L.A. long term.

? Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023

Unfortunately, the Lakers are getting better this offseason. No one challenged them on Reaves or Rui.

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I wish they were forced to pay a little more for Reaves but the rest of their offseason was pretty meh imo. Just players who had really hot playoffs getting paid for that rather than their mostly lackluster seasons (Rui and Vincent). I mean their only additions a Vincent, Prince and Hayes and Lebron is a year older.

I'm expecting a disappointing year from them after getting almost every whistle post all star break. The real Lakers are somewhere in between the pre and post allstar versions.

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Originally Posted by ragincaucasian

The whole 2019 draft was kind of a disaster for us.

Zion - the definition of when he plays he's great, but he never plays. Has played in ZERO playoff games since being in the NBA.

Jax - Negative basketball IQ or IQ in general. As Fred Sanford used to say "You big dummy!"

NAW - Fringe NBA player at best. I still pull for him though because he's a good kid.

Didi - Not an NBA player, or even close.

Out of 4 picks only (1) is still here, and he is always injured.

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When you draft 4 players in 1 draft, the chances that 3 or 4 of them will still be with the same same 4 years down the line are slim to none.

Most of them will either be traded for veterans (NAW), not be extended (Jax), or be out of the league (Didi). Just look at the Rockets tossing 1st round draft picks left and right today.

That 2021 draft will go down in history as one of the greatest not only for the franchise but in the NBA. Assuming it isn't derailed by injury.

And even one of them might end up traded somewhere else.


Also NAW isn't a fringe NBA player. He's looked pretty good in Minnesota. And it wasn't a total disaster because NAW + Didi returned CJ. Who is still a better player than all of them combined.

This is just plain wrong :hihi: Rockets fans have my sides hurting now Fanduel adding more flames. They aint happy.

The Rockets odds to win the NBA Championship before signing Dillon Brooks ➡️ +35000

Their odds after ➡️ +35000

COOKING �� pic.twitter.com/0O4DBSgOLL

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 1, 2023

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Originally Posted by luckyman

When you draft 4 players in 1 draft, the chances that 3 or 4 of them will still be with the same same 4 years down the line are slim to none.

Most of them will either be traded for veterans (NAW), not be extended (Jax), or be out of the league (Didi). Just look at the Rockets tossing 1st round draft picks left and right today.

That 2021 draft will go down in history as one of the greatest not only for the franchise but in the NBA. Assuming it isn't derailed by injury.

And even one of them might end up traded somewhere else.


Also NAW isn't a fringe NBA player. He's looked pretty good in Minnesota. And it wasn't a total disaster because NAW + Didi returned CJ. Who is still a better player than all of them combined.

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NAW will still be in the league five years from now. He got length...plays downhill...and can play defense. Admittedly, he is a streaky shooter and his Achilles Heel is trusting his shot too much when he's on a losing streak.

JAX is to the game of basketball as the Scarecrow is to 'The Wizzard of Oz". "If I only had a brain!!"

However, the real tragedy of the 2019 draft for the Pelicans was snubbing Darius Garland in favor of NAW, JAX and DiDi. DG would have kept CJ out of NO and maybe Jrue would have hung around. Let's remember what could have been.....

Jrue Holiday. Lonzo Ball
Darius Garland, JJ Reddick
Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart
The Franchise, Christian Wood
Julius Randall, Jahlil Okafor

Fringe Players: Frank Johnson, E'Twaun Moore

....and this would have just been Year 1 of the 're-build' post-AD.

Wait. I thought it was obvious that Dillon Brooks was added to get the Rockets payroll to the salary floor. Did people think it was to win games?

Pretty Tame beginning to free agency.

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse985

Pretty Tame beginning to free agency.

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When you've got all your payroll dollars tied up in 'the infirmary' it couldn't be anything but tame.

Essentially we are running it all back as it was and hoping for a different outcome. Meanwhile, as a whole, the West is raising the bar...a bar we haven't been able to scale in the past with this same bunch. Maybe this time it will be different.

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Originally Posted by As I See It

When you've got all your payroll dollars tied up in 'the infirmary' it couldn't be anything but tame.

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the ole lady made me mad about trying to get out of making my bbq pork chops but you always come on time to give me my comedy relief lol...

on my timeline im getting a lot of spurs trading for jonas to pair with victor....hell, at first glance i thought we traded jonas to them smdh....

do anyone know if the spurs talk is just talk?...

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Originally Posted by 6warddude

the ole lady made me mad about trying to get out of making my bbq pork chops but you always come on time to give me my comedy relief lol...

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Glad to help, but I can't take any credit. Unfortunately, the comedy that has you so giddy is the comedy of errors coming from Airline Drive. I'm only the messenger.

Looks like Pels signed Cody Zeller for 1 year $3.1m.

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Originally Posted by 6warddude

on my timeline im getting a lot of spurs trading for jonas to pair with victor....hell, at first glance i thought we traded jonas to them smdh....

do anyone know if the spurs talk is just talk?...

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Spurs, according to Stein, are very much looking for a vet centre to pair with Wemby and take some of the pressure off him defending big bodies as a rookie. Meanwhile, we have JV and may be in the market to move him since we want to duck below the luxury tax. So it's natural that connections get made.

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Originally Posted by bradael

Looks like Pels signed Cody Zeller for 1 year $3.1m.

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Replaced Hayes' garbage time minutes for less than half the price. It's fine.

They do know Mo Bamba is still out there, right?

Free agent Lonnie Walker has agreed to a one year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Lucas Newton tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2023

What do the Spurs have to offer? Zach Collins?

I'd take Zeller over Hayes in a 'win now' mindset, tbh. If Jonas doesn't get traded, it makes the roster complete.

Oh. It's worth noting the Zeller had pretty decent numbers under Borrego in Charlotte.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

Oh. It's worth noting the Zeller had pretty decent numbers under Borrego in Charlotte.

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He's older now and does not offer much rim protection. Not impressed.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

He's older now and does not offer much rim protection. Not impressed.

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This is true, but at least he knows how to set screens and - let's be honest - shouldn't be playing anyway. At least not heavy minutes.

It's fine.

Right?! I would think C minutes would be Jonas, Nance, and then Zion for small ball before Zeller in a playoff rotation. This guy is great for regular season deep bench minutes. The best deep bench C we've had in years. If we move Jonas, a $3mill player would not be the plan. I still haven't heard of us being interested in anyone that excites me over Jonas...so I'm ok with where the roster is.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

Right?! I would think C minutes would be Jonas, Nance, and then Zion for small ball before Zeller in a playoff rotation. This guy is great for regular season deep bench minutes. The best deep bench C we've had in years. If we move Jonas, a $3mill player would not be the plan. I still haven't heard of us being interested in anyone that excites me over Jonas...so I'm ok with where the roster is.

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I really don't want us playing Nance regularly at the 5. He got smashed to pieces doing so last season, he was talking in the Twitter Spaces recently about how he had more injuries than even got reported.

I'm kind of sick of the small centre thing, at this point. In certain lineups and against some bench units, I get it, but this is why I was so in favour of Mo Bamba. Just have an actual big person to play C. Someone who is legit 6'11, 7 feet tall, and who has some physical strength to them - or at least the build that implies strength might be coming if it's not there yet.

Zeller doesn't fix those issues, at least.

And to emphasise this, Griff spent his exit interview talking about how the team needed major changes. He named his two aims: shooting and rim protection. So if people are mad that the C we acquired isn't a rim protector, that's really Griff's fault: he's the one who told everyone that was his focus.

He wanted shooting and rim protection. How has he done it?

Shooting: He got a shooter, though they're a rookie so it might be a minute to transition and Green doesn't give rookies chances early.
Rim protection: Hasn't been addressed at all.

It's not screaming a successful summer so far, by Griff's own goals.

i think collins would be a step in the right direction for rim protection. He isnt elite but i think he is at least solid. he also has serious 3d potential as well.

if jonas netted us collins i wouldnt be too upset.

I see Zeller as a slight upgrade over Willie. Meaning he can move his feet beyond the painted area.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

I see Zeller as a slight upgrade over Willie. Meaning he can move his feet beyond the painted area.

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I look at Zeller the same way I do Mason Plumlee (my preference)...an insurance policy. Everyone needs a meaty big guy on the roster who can move his feet to take on the likes of 'The Joker, Lopez, Poetle, Zubac, Gobert, Nurkic, and Vucevic (I am not even thinking about the Embiid's and AD's of the league at this point) without getting outsized on top of getting outplayed.

Assuming we are still trying to unload JV (why wouldn't we be...Willie hates playing him) that leaves 6'7'', Larry Nance and the other short four's on our team to match up against these bulky giants.

Im fine with Zeller as an insurance policy but I am going to be pissed if we get rid of JV now. It would be a concession that they care more about saving a couple million than competing for the championship.

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Originally Posted by hornetsrebirth

It would be a concession that they care more about saving a couple million than competing for the championship.

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Unfortunately, they have proven that for a while now.

I am not crazy about investing a lot in Allen. Rumors are Zubac may be available. He or Gafford would be OK with me to save money if we have to. Otherwise, I would stick with JV.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

Unfortunately, they have proven that for a while now.

I am not crazy about investing a lot in Allen. Rumors are Zubac may be available. He or Gafford would be OK with me to save money if we have to. Otherwise, I would stick with JV.

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Zubac I would actually be fine with. I have not followed him closely, pretty much only watch Pelicans, but when he played against us I felt like he was pretty even with JV.

If all we're trying to do is get under the lux tax then yeah... get Zubac. But on the court, JV is a better player offensively (by a long shot), and any defense/rebounding that Zuback offers over JV is negligible.

It's a leap of faith of how things will go when/if we get everyone on the court. Can Zion make up for any drop in rebounding if we get a guy like Myles? Will his offense makeup for it if we get a guy like Zubac? I think yes to both but we sure don't have a large sample size to go off of.

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

If all we're trying to do is get under the lux tax then yeah... get Zubac. But on the court, JV is a better player offensively (by a long shot), and any defense/rebounding that Zuback offers over JV is negligible.

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Agreed. I would prefer to keep JV if we cannot upgrade. The problem is the tax.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I really don't want us playing Nance regularly at the 5. He got smashed to pieces doing so last season, he was talking in the Twitter Spaces recently about how he had more injuries than even got reported.

I'm kind of sick of the small centre thing, at this point. In certain lineups and against some bench units, I get it, but this is why I was so in favour of Mo Bamba. Just have an actual big person to play C. Someone who is legit 6'11, 7 feet tall, and who has some physical strength to them - or at least the build that implies strength might be coming if it's not there yet.

Zeller doesn't fix those issues, at least.

And to emphasise this, Griff spent his exit interview talking about how the team needed major changes. He named his two aims: shooting and rim protection. So if people are mad that the C we acquired isn't a rim protector, that's really Griff's fault: he's the one who told everyone that was his focus.

He wanted shooting and rim protection. How has he done it?

Shooting: He got a shooter, though they're a rookie so it might be a minute to transition and Green doesn't give rookies chances early.
Rim protection: Hasn't been addressed at all.

It's not screaming a successful summer so far, by Griff's own goals.

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What you say here is right, the Pels needs rim protection and should not be playing Nance at the 5 regularly.

Extending Herb and getting a movement shooter like HawKins were 2 great moves though, even if Hawkins doesn't pan out. Liam Robbins looks like he could be a nice player if he can stay healthy.

Anyway, I am still holding out hope for a Zion trade... that is the major problem. Let's keep fingers and toes crossed that the Blazers want Zion badly enough to replace the outgoing $Lillard as their main attraction.

Then the Pels should explore trading JV and Naji for Jarrett Allen. The Cavs are going to want Dyson or TM3 instead of Naji... but they can have a future pick instead, on top of JV and Naji.

Scoot............... ??, GTA
Anfernee......... McGollum, Hawkins
Ingram............. TM3, Dyson
Herbert............. Nance, Liddell
Allen................ Zeller, Robbins

This team looks to have really good balance, and should be a proper contender in as little as a year... a consistently good contender too, unlike the current team that flatters to deceive because it can not depend on its star. It also seems like a team that Pels fans could be proud and excited to support. There is a bit of a glut at SF with Ingram, TM3 and Dyson. Herbert is more of an SF than a PF too. It is a good "problem" that can wait to be sorted out though.

Dyson is much more of a point guard than SF. He always brought the ball up and initiated while with the Ignite. He definitely has the court vision and penetration ability to be a straight up pg.

People just need to be patient on the guy. He's got this type of playmaking upside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Qq...=ESPNAustralia

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Originally Posted by luckyman

Dyson is much more of a point guard than SF. He always brought the ball up and initiated while with the Ignite. He definitely has the court vision and penetration ability to be a straight up pg.

People just need to be patient on the guy. He's got this type of playmaking upside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0QqAVANNio&ab_channel=ESPNAustralia

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Definitely agree with this read on Dyson. He is a facilitator which is what you want in a PG. his size and defensive ability make him a very interesting point guard. He has the court vision of a vet but his glaring deficiency was confidence with scoring, but that can be forgiven for a teenager's first year in the NBA.

I think we got spoiled with seeing Trey, Herb and Jose come in and do work as rookies... we just expected Dyson to do the same. Having any rookie let alone 3 to come in and be key contributors on a roster is far from the norm.

Give Dyson time to develop. He can improve as a shooter, and he's a natural floor leader. The staff had enough confidence to put Dyson on guys like Lebron and Luka, so we know he has the defensive skills and mindset to be a solid defender. Dyson will be fine if given time and opportunities to develop his offense. He seems to be a hard worker and is willing to at least TRY to get better.

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

I think we got spoiled with seeing Trey, Herb and Jose come in and do work as rookies... we just expected Dyson to do the same. Having any rookie let alone 3 to come in and be key contributors on a roster is far from the norm.

Give Dyson time to develop. He can improve as a shooter, and he's a natural floor leader. The staff had enough confidence to put Dyson on guys like Lebron and Luka, so we know he has the defensive skills and mindset to be a solid defender. Dyson will be fine if given time and opportunities to develop his offense. He seems to be a hard worker and is willing to at least TRY to get better.

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3M3 was a three year college player (2 year starter in ACC) in two respectable programs. He was 20 when he played his first NBA regular season game.
Herb was a four year starter in the SEC and one time SEC Player of the year. He was 23 when he played his first NBA regular season game.
GSA was a four year All ACC player and one time Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC who plays internationally for Puerto Rico. He was 23 when he played his first NBA regular season game.

DD was a the youngest player in his draft class and had no college experience.

Age and college experience makes a difference if you are looking for immediate results. Keep an eye on Scoot.


BTW: I predict that Liam Robbins (24 yo when the 2023-24 season starts and SEC Defensive Player of the Year) will eventually be to the Pelicans as Walker Kessler (another SEC Defensive Player of the Year) is to the Utah 'Tabernacle Choir'.

Jaxson Hayes has been my favorite NBA player for years. Wanted him to be a long-time Pelican. Well wishes Jaxson Hayes in LA, become a super star!!!

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Originally Posted by JR SMITH

Jaxson Hayes has been my favorite NBA player for years. Wanted him to be a long-time Pelican. Well wishes Jaxson Hayes in LA, become a super star!!!

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Lol.

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Originally Posted by JR SMITH

Jaxson Hayes has been my favorite NBA player for years. Wanted him to be a long-time Pelican. Well wishes Jaxson Hayes in LA, become a super star!!!

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Weird player to stan.

Mo Bamba to the 76er's

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Originally Posted by markid

Mo Bamba to the 76er's

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Yeah for the league min. Why did we not grab him for that?

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Originally Posted by djrnno

Yeah for the league min. Why did we not grab him for that?

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Because you can't just grab a free agent even like him. He has some choice on where he wants to go.