The New Orleans Pelicans' depleted front court has caused them to work out some NBA journeymen. Starting Small Forward Solomon Hill is expected to be out six to eight months after he had undergone surgery for his injured hamstring.
Only a few remaining free-agents are available to replace Hill's production. The Pelicans are reported to have worked out Josh Smith, Martell Webster, and Chase Budinger in reaction to Hill's injury.
Who is Josh Smith?
Josh Smith is a 12-years NBA veteran who has spent his playing years with four NBA teams. He was drafted 17th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2004 NBA draft.
He also had some notable accolades; Smith was a member of the 2009-2010 All-Defensive team and 2004-2005 All-Rookie team.
With Atlanta, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. He was with Atlanta for nine seasons before he was signed by the Detroit Pistons as a free-agent.
He spent the next one and a half season of his NBA career with the Pistons; he averaged 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Before he was waived on December 22, 2014 and signed with the Houston Rockets.
He averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, in his one and a half season with the Rockets.
Smith was then signed by the Los Angeles Clippers to a multi-year contract.
He averaged 5.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. But sadly he only stayed with the Clippers for one season.
Martell Webster?
Martell Webster is a 10-year NBA veteran who has spent his playing years with three NBA teams. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers sixth overall in the 2005 NBA draft.
He spent his first five NBA seasons with Portland and averaged 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, before he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With the Timberwolves, he averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. He spent two season with Minnesota before being waived and signed by the Washington Wizards as a free-agent.
He then spent the next three years of his NBA career with the Wizards where he averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game before he was waived.
Chase Budinger?
Chase Budinger is a seven year NBA veteran who has spent his playing years with four NBA teams. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons 14th in the second round of the 2009 NBA draft but was immediately to the Houston Rockets.
He averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game with the Houston Rockets where he played for three seasons.
He was then signed by the Minnesota Timberwolves; he averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game.
He was then traded to the Indiana Pacers then to the Phoenix Suns.
It is important to note that none of these players has played in the past NBA season. But because of Pelicans' lack of wing players they are forced to explore other options. The Pelicans are also pressured to produce this coming NBA season because a lot of teams have been eyeing their coveted All-star big men Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins.
