2015 NBA Free Agency: 3 Forwards the Pelicans Could Target
By Mike Delayo
Jae Crowder
Apr 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) drives the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mike Miller (18) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Crowder would be the absolute dream signing for the Pelicans this offseason. After a couple of quiet but solid seasons in Dallas, Crowder established himself as a legitimate NBA forward this past year in Boston.
His jump shot is still lack luster, but is is not too terrible. What puts Crowder on another level is his defensive ability. Dudley and Pondexter are respectable defenders, but not at the level that Crowder is. Finals MVP Andre Iguodala got a ton of attention for limiting LeBron James against Golden State.
Crowder has much less experience, but his knack for defending rivals that of Iguodala. He is quick enough to keep up with smaller, quicker forwards, but tough enough to defend ones bigger than himself as well. Throw in the fact that he is only 24 years old, and Crowder would fit exquisitely into this young Pelicans team.
As nice as Crowder sounds, it is not likely he will be coming to New Orleans. It would not be surprising to see teams offer well over the Mid-Level for a young forward with this much talent. As of an hour ago, the Celtics offered him a qualifying offer, giving them the right to match any other team’s offer for Crowder. Even if New Orleans offered the entire Mid-Level, Boston would likely be more than happy to match that contract.
There are plenty of other suitable options that could work out for the Pelicans, but Crowder would certainly be a dream come true…..