2015 NBA Free Agency: 3 Forwards the Pelicans Could Target

Jared Dudley

Feb 20, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jared Dudley (9) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dudley’s career is approaching its end, but he still brings a wealth of value to the table. While his 39% success rate from three is good in and of itself, his impact on and off the court transcends statistics. His defense is definitely ideal for a small forward given his ability to guard multiple positions.

He and Quincy Pondexter would offer the Pels a level of versatility from the small forward position that they simply have not enjoyed in recent memory.

Dudley’s leadership also needs to be considered. He helped lead an extremely young Bucks team to the playoffs, and almost advanced in the admittedly weak Eastern Conference. The Pelicans team he would join would be slightly older, but they still lack a veteran leader with his kind of experience.

The icing on the cake here is that Dudley’s prime was spent with the Phoenix Suns: under Alvin Gentry, who served as an assistant and head coach while coaching Dudley. Having a guy who had already succeeded in the high pace scheme of Gentry would be a great help to the rest of his teammates unfamiliar with the scheme.

Dudley is likely going to be chased by a number of teams across the league. It would likely take the entire Mid-Level Exception to sign him, but that would be money well spent by New Orleans.

Next: A Familiar Face