Omer Asik is not a great fit for Alvin Gentry’s offense.
But if the Pelicans let the center walk, they’d probably have under $10 million to replace him – which would likely mean getting a lesser-caliber player.
Apparently, they decided talent trumps fit.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Omer Asik and Pelicans are finalizing a deal, according to ESPN sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2015
New contract to keep Asik alongside Anthony Davis on Pelicans' front line, I'm told, on course to be verbally agreed by night's end
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2015
We’ll surely see more of Anthony Davis at center next season. But Asik will keep Davis from getting pounded in the post too often, a role that will be shared by Alexis Ajinca.
Asik is an excellent defender, and though the league is moving away from cloggers like him, that makes him very useful.
The challenge is now on Gentry to figure out how to maximize Asik offensively.