BR: Pelicans biggest needs for 2015 offseason

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1. Re-Sign Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik

These guys are both extremely valuable but in totally opposite ways. Ajinca is the offensively gifted scorer who fills up the stat sheet, while Asik is the garbage man who plays hard-nosed D and hits the glass like Manny Pacquiao hits the bag.

And that's why the Pels should avoid approaching this dilemma as an either-or situation. The goal should be to re-up with both.

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2. Add a Three-and-D Wing

Almost every elite team has what's become known as a three-and-D player—a wing who can knock down three-pointers and play strong perimeter defense.

The Pelicans, instead, had three D-rated forwards who overachieved this year.

Luke Babbitt, Dante Cunningham (who is actually more of a power forward) and Pondexter worked their tails off and provided the team with occasional bursts. They're fine as role players but certainly not stars.

Pondexter is signed through 2017-18 at a reasonable yearly price of $3 million. But with Babbitt and Cunningham both headed for free agency this summer, the Pels should try to pick up another—and perhaps better—three-and-D wing.

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Khris Middleton, who will be a restricted free agent, would be a great fit in New Orleans. The Pels will have to really push the Bucks or convince Middleton that NOLA—where he'll suit up with a potential basketball legend in AD—is the place for him.

But even if the youngster stays home or simply goes elsewhere, the Pelicans have options—and lots of 'em.

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Danny Green
Marco Belinelli
DeMarre Carol
Wilson Chandler

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