New Orleans Pelicans Must Trade Omer Asik Before 2015-16 Trade Deadline

By Kareem Gantt

What role does New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik play on this team? That is a really great question and one that many Pelicans fans won’t be able to answer right away. That’s because it’s hard to find an answer to that question, which is one of the prime reasons why New Orleans has to deal Asik before the trade deadline.

Don’t get me wrong, Asik is a capable center. He can rebound, defend, and grab garbage points on the inside. He would make a great player for a team that’s actually contending for a playoff spot this season. But he’s a horrible fit here, especially since the rise of Anthony Davis to superstar status.

It wasn’t that long ago that Asik was a prime chip in the making of the Pelicans becoming a force to be reckoned with in the West. But that simply hasn’t come to pass, and it’s a mystery as to why New Orleans is keeping him around.

Case in point: Asik’s numbers have actually dropped this season to 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 points per game. He’s only seeing 17.4 minutes a night, three minutes lower than his career average. Why? Because Davis can stay on the floor longer, which limits his playing time.

So with the Pelicans unlikely to make the playoffs this season, it is time for the team to start clearing house. The first pick for New Orleans was Tyreke Evans, but since he’s gone for the season, no team in their right mind (except for the Sacramento Kings) will trade for a hobbled combo guard. And this leaves choice No. 2 in Asik.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like