The New Orleans Pelicans had to replace nearly all of the team's minutes at the center position from a season ago going into the initial NBA Free Agency frenzy. Jonas Valanciunas jumped ship in a sign-and-trade to the Washington Wizards. Dependable backups Larry Nance Jr.
and Cody Zeller were sent to the Atlanta Hawks in the Dejounte Murray deal. Options were limited for a franchise that usually avoids the luxury tax yet the Pelicans landed a three-time Bundesliga champion with NBA Finals experience. EVP David Griffin has seemingly decided to gamble on Daniel Theis being the right piece for the roster when conventional wisdom says the team needs a more expensive (re: more talented) starting center.
Regardless of price there arguably were not any better options on the market given the team's circumstances. The expectation is any Brandon Ingram blockbuster deal will bring back an All-Star big man. The Pelicans value Theis' championship experience and Yves Missi needs the mentorship.
This signing seems a safe bet with more possible pathways to success than failure given the opportunity costs. Theis has shown a skill set that should work well in New Orleans too. Coming at the right veteran-minimum price is just the cherry that sweetens the deal.
New Orleans is adding the veteran big man on a one-year contract and that move is...
Chris Dodson.
