Pelicans trying out Mario Chalmers after Cousins trade depletes backcourt

Alec Brzezinski

Pelicans trying out Mario Chalmers after Cousins trade depletes backcourt image

The Pelicans made the first big splash before the NBA trade deadline by sending a host of players to the Kings for All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.

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Now, ESPN has reported that New Orleans will work out a host of guards, including Mario Chalmers, in an attempt to bolster its now-depleted backcourt.

New Orleans traded guards Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway and Tyreke Evans to Sacramento as part of the deal. In return the Pelicans got Cousins and forward Omri Casspi, leaving themselves dangerously thin in the backcourt.

Chalmers recently tried out for the Cavaliers after LeBron James said the team needed more playmakers. The former Heat and Grizzlies standout has not played since injuring his Achilles last March.

The Pelicans pulled off the bold move despite having no assurances that they would be able to hold onto Cousins for the long term. They are currently 11th in the Western Conference standings, two-and-a-half games behind the Nuggets for the last playoff spot.

Should the Pelicans rally to earn the final playoff spot, they would present an intriguing matchup against the Warriors' guard-heavy lineup that struggles in the paint. Cousins and Anthony Davis would give most teams fits in the post.

New Orleans still has Jrue Holiday, who is averaging 16.3 points, 7.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game this season, to run the offense.

However, the Pelicans could definitely use more shooting if they are going to make a run.

Alec Brzezinski