Lance Stephenson signs with Pelicans

[celticsclay]

I think this could be a good get for them as they really need good players on the wing. Maybe if they actually have health for a change they could be a lower end playoff team?

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17507345/lance-stephenson-new-orleans-pelicans-agree-terms-1-year-deal

When Holiday returns is

Holiday
Evans
Stephenson
Terrence Jones
Davis

a respectable lineup?

I think
Norris Cole is ok as offensive guard off the bench
Asik can be a good backup center

The rest of their bench needs some help though...

[saltlover]

Tyreke is not expected to be ready for the start of the season either.  It sounded from Gentry's comments earlier in the summer that they aren't really counting on much from him at all this year.  I'd view Stephenson's signing more as further confirmation that Tyreke will not offer much than someone who will be in the same lineup.

[hpantazo]

That lineup lacks a great deal in shooting. They need to put more capable perimeter shooters around AD if they want to win games and keep him in town. Holliday, Evans and Lance all need the ball a lot as well. A bad fit overall.

[celticsclay]

That lineup lacks a great deal in shooting. They need to put more capable perimeter shooters around AD if they want to win games and keep him in town. Holliday, Evans and Lance all need the ball a lot as well. A bad fit overall.

I guess I didn't mention Heild who seemingly would be a good shooter even as a rookie.
Is Solomon Hill a good shooter?
They are also getting pointdexter back who has shown signs of being a solid shooter in the past.

I am not sure any of these guys can play heavy minutes, but theoretically could open it up some off the bench.

[MJohnnyboy]

I think Stephenson is a plan B for New Orleans. The Pelicans won't have Evans or Holiday to start the year so they needed someone who would seemingly be qualified. Stephenson looked good in Memphis last season, but that was only because they had no one else to turn to. Since New Orleans basically has the same desperation, they may as well give Mr. Born Ready a shot.

And to answer the OP's question, Solomon Hill isn't a good shooter. I think he's better known as a defensive specialist.

[Smartacus]

Solomon Hill got paid by the Pels for the same reason Biyombo did. He started coming on toward the end of the season and absolutely lit it up in the playoffs. Hill Shot 57% from deep during a 7 game series with the Raptors. Mechanically he's far from a lost cause, don't think it's outside the realm of possibility to expect that he could turn into a 38% 3 point shooter on over 2 attempts per game.

Like MJohnnyboy said he's a stout defender. They're clearly hoping he can be their Jae Crowder with maybe less dynamic play making ability but more size. Indy turned down his $2.3 Million 16/17 option last summer and he ended up up riding the rising cap to $12 million annually over 4 years.

Happy for Lance think it's a great fit. It gives them Tyreke insurance since I cant really think of two more redundant players in the game right now than Lance and Tyreke. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see Evans moved if Lance starts returning to form. Pelicans added some edge and toughness today on a team that I thought looked pretty sleepy at times last year.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Hard to not like this guy:

[Eric_Suede]

Good that he got signed. I still think he would've been a good pickup for us but ahhh well. I think he's talented it would've been a shame for him to not be in the NBA based off alleged locker room issues

[SHAQATTACK]

I ll take him in a deal that includes AD to the C's....