What are the chances of Alexis Ajinca being on the opening day roster?

What are the chances of Alexis Ajinca being on the opening day roster? by Tyler Pearson

The New Orleans Pelicans are poised to grab one or two more small forwards any day now. They have worked out, and reportedly been interested in, multiple.

There is no perfect fit, as most of the good players have been picked up already, but there are a few still available that could help the Pelicans become a more well-rounded team.

Dante Cunningham

This is the guy that appears most likely to be re-signed by the Pellies. With the Pelicans always having heavy interest in their former player, trading away Quincy Pondexter gave them the space to complete the transaction.

Cunningham was the best shooter on the team last season and would be able to match-up much better against the league’s other small forwards than the guards currently on the roster.

Player Season Age G GS Dante Cunningham 2016-17 29 66 35 MP FG% 3P% eFG% FTA 25 0.485 0.392 0.584 0.4 FT% ORB DRB TRB AST 0.593 0.8 3.3 4.2 0.6 STL BLK TOV PF PTS 0.6 0.4 0.4 1.5 6.6

Josh Smith

Smith did not play in the NBA last year and has had one of the most interesting careers in recent memory. From being considered a star to a pariah in Detroit, and then finally a savior in Houston.

The main reason J-Smoove makes some sense for the Pelicans is that he would be a rare “Stretch-4” for them. The only problem is, he is one of the worst high volume three point shooters of all time. He also takes much too many mid-range jumpers.

He could potentially run some interesting four-five pick and rolls with Anthony Davis, similar to what he did with Houston when they destroyed the Mavericks with alley-oop lobs. His passing would be a huge asset if he decided to make it the focal point of his game.

He would be an acceptable backup and an interesting pairing with Boogie and Anthony Davis. “Interesting” being the imperative and meticulously chosen adjective.

Player Season Age G GS Josh Smith 2015-16 30 55 7 MP FG% 3P% eFG% FTA 16 0.364 0.287 0.423 1.2 FT% ORB DRB TRB AST 0.552 0.9 2.6 3.5 1.6 STL BLK TOV PF PTS 0.6 0.9 1.4 2.1 6

Tony Allen

Tony Allen was still a very good defender last year, despite his age. In fact, he was best in the league in steal percentage last season. He was also the only non-power forward/center to be top 20 in offensive rebound percentage.

Tony Allen smart hustle rebounds are my favorite #grizzlies pic.twitter.com/kwn7y5fdZk — Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) January 12, 2017

Allen’s offensive game is minimal but he is one of the better off ball cutters in the league. Darting towards the hoop when his defender stops paying attention to him.

He would be a solid veteran mentor, can play some small forward (although he is undersized), while only needing minimal minutes. The Pels should heavily consider signing Allen to the vet minimum.

Player Season Age G GS Tony Allen 2016-17 35 71 66 MP FG% 3P% eFG% FTA 27 0.461 0.278 0.473 1.8 FT% ORB DRB TRB AST 0.615 2.3 3.2 5.5 1.4 STL BLK TOV PF PTS 1.6 0.4 1.4 2.5 9.1

Gerald Green

The bouncy forward has been true to his physical characteristics even whilst not on the court. Playing for an astonishing eight teams in ten years.

Green would give the Pelicans some needed athleticism and streaky shooting but wouldn’t give them anything that would be more worthwhile than Allen’s defense or Smiths lineup versatility.

Player Season Age G GS Gerald Green 2016-17 31 47 0 MP FG% 3P% eFG% FTA 11.4 0.409 0.351 0.494 0.9 FT% ORB DRB TRB AST 0.805 0.3 1.4 1.8 0.7 STL BLK TOV PF PTS 0.2 0.1 0.5 1 5.6

Shabazz Muhammad

A player many believe could still be an above average contributor to an NBA team. He, like the many before him on this list, has many flaws.

His poor shooting, lack of dribbling, and no unique positive skill set make him the most unintriguing. The four ahead mentioned before him would improve the Pelicans in much more tangible ways but Shabazz is by far the youngest of the group.

He has much more perceived potential because of this, don’t be shocked if the Pels make a move to sign him.