The New Orleans Pelicans could eye former Portland Trail Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle in free agency.
The start of NBA free agency has passed by, and the New Orleans Pelicans haven't done much. A large part of that is the fact that they don't have very many resources to work with, and after adding DeAndre Jordan, they only have one more roster spot.
They'll need to get moves done, like trading either Jordan Poole/Jordan Hawkins, to potentially open up more room on the roster or giving them more money to work with.
Still, they'll need to find some cheaper options on the market to fill their needs. One player that fits what they need is ex-Portland Trail Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle.
Thybulle is a defense-first wing, who looked to finally be putting together his three-point shot last season. If he becomes a reliable floor-spacer, he could be one of the best values in the NBA.
The 29-year-old averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists last year with a 43.3/39.8/84.0 shooting split. There still isn't much volume, but he's becoming someone defenses have to watch out for. He's not going to ever be someone's entire offense; his career-high is 20, but he is no longer a complete net-negative on that side of the court.
Because of the improved shooting, the Trail Blazers were a net +10.1 rating with him on the court last season. They were -11.8 points per 100 possessions on defense. He has incredibly active hands and has averaged at least 2.0 steals per game over the last few seasons.
The player that he is on the court right now would probably demand around $12 to $15 million. The big detractor is his health. He has played just 45 games over the last couple of years, and it has put a damper on what teams will probably pay him.
Some people will want no part of him because of his injury issues, which is fair, but there is at least an argument to be made for taking the risk for around $5-7 million per year. A short prove-it deal of sorts.
Jamahl Mosley and Joe Dumars have preached defensive effort and intensity all offseason long. Thinking back to what those Mosley-led Magic team's looked like, Thybulle would fit in perfectly.
This still wouldn't be the splash signing fans want, but it could still be one that ends up winning a game or two next season.
