re: Pelicans zeroed in on PG Gal Mekel

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The New Orleans Pelicans are in advanced discussions to sign former Dallas Mavericks point guard Gal Mekel, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com on Thursday that the Pelicans have zeroed on Mekel in their search for backcourt depth after auditioning a number of guards this week, including NBA veteran Eric Maynor, Diante Garrett from the D-League's Iowa Energy and former Los Angeles Lakers player Darius Morris.

The procedural delay that scuttled Indiana's plan to sign Mekel last month is not expected to cause any issues if the Pelicans, as expected, complete a deal this week with the 26-year-old from Israel.
Indiana initially targeted Mekel after his strong preseason, which included a 19-point, nine-assist outburst against the Pacers on Oct. 18 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Mekel then made the Mavericks' opening night roster out of training camp -- beating out three others with NBA experience for Dallas' last spot -- but was subsequently let go when the Mavs had an unexpected opportunity to re-sign Barea at a minimum salary and bring back a key reserve from the Mavs' 2011 championship team. LINK

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