Halo

The New Orleans Pelicans are dealing with several injuries at point guard, and with the regular season quickly approaching, general manager Dell Demps has decided to add some reinforcements to the backcourt.

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, veteran point guard Nate Robinson and the Pelicans have agreed to terms on a one-year deal at the veteran's minimum. John Reid of the Times-Picayune reported the deal is non-guaranteed.

Former NBA executive Bobby Marks explained why the signing makes sense for the Pelicans, who recently announced Norris Cole will miss extended time after suffering a high ankle sprain:



The availability of starting point guard Jrue Holiday is a concern. He's reportedly taking things slowly after suffering a stress fracture to his right tibia that limited him to 40 regular-season appearances last year. Now, the one-time All-Star is expected to be on a minutes limit until January, according to Reid.

But despite the team's injury-induced woes, Robinson, 31, shouldn't be expected to handle a heavy share of the backcourt burden. As Marks mentioned, Tyreke Evans is capable of playing point forward in a pinch, as the career-best assist percentage (32.7) he tallied last season indicates.

However, Robinson can provide relief in other ways. The diminutive microwave scorer is averaging 11.1 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting from the field and 36.0 percent shooting from three-point range over the course of 10 NBA seasons with seven different teams.

Robinson last appeared in nine games for the Los Angeles Clippers after signing two 10-day contracts with the Western Conference contenders, but he was waived following the trial period.

In limited opportunities with the Clippers and Denver Nuggets last season, Robinson averaged a career-low 5.7 points per game on 34.5 percent shooting from the floor and 27.7 percent shooting from distance.

The non-guaranteed nature of Robinson's deal will make it easier for the Pelicans to cut ties with him if they aren't encouraged by his production, but New Orleans is pressed for options behind Holiday at this point.

Robinson's ability to score in droves for short stretches could make him a fun fit on a New Orleans team that's seeking to play at a faster pace with new head coach Alvin Gentry calling the shots. However, Robinson's inefficient shot selection could prove to be maddening at times—especially if it comes at the expense of getting the Pelicans' more talented scorers open looks.



All statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.

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