Though the generational big man duo the New Orleans Pelicans is putting the NBA world on notice, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis will need more help to become a true Western Conference threat. Their guard play has been far behind what it needs to be, even though they added Rajon Rondo, Ian Clark, and the defensive-oriented Tony Allen in free agency.
Though a small sample size of two games isn’t necessarily a dependable indicator, their lackluster guard play has been a glaring issue. According to The Vertical’s Shams Charania, the Pels have further bolstered their backcourt rotation, adding one of the stand-out remaining options on the open market in Jameer Nelson:
Free agent guard Jameer Nelson has agreed on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2017
Jameer Nelson, a 15-year veteran, still has plenty he can bring to the table, namely his potent outside stroke and ability to heat up within minutes.
With the Pelicans roster already being full prior to the Nelson signing, New Orleans was forced to have to cut somebody loose, that player being guard Jordan Crawford according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
The Pelicans are waiving guard Jordan Crawford, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2017
Though Nelson has been a journeyman for the latter parts of his career, he was a key cog during Dwight Howard’s days in Orlando, leading the Magic to a Finals appearance in 2009. Nelson, 35, suited up for the Denver Nuggets the past three seasons, serving as a spark off the bench and compiling per game averages of 8.9 points and 4.7 assists over that span.
Nelson figures to immediately be thrust into Alvin Gentry’s guard rotation as the Pelicans are desperate for any type of perimeter production after a rocky 0-2 start.
