NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Interested In Restricted Free Agent Norris Cole
The Philadelphia 76ers have made a few moves this offseason, but have yet to sign a free-agent. If the Sixers do not sign anyone on the open market, it will mark the third straight season they have not done so.
Michael Scotto (MikeAScotto) of Sheridan Hoops is reporting that the 76ers have interest in restricted free agent point guard Norris Cole.
Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in New Orleans Pelicans restricted free agent Norris Cole, a league source tells Sheridan Hoops.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 14, 2015
However, Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the team won’t comment on the rumor.
“We won’t comment on. We won’t comment on potential free agents. Sorry.”
Cole, 26, spent part of last year with the Miami Heat before being dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline. The fourth-year pro appeared in 75 games overall, averaging 7.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 41.2 percent from the field. Cole also shot 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and turned the ball over just 1.3 times a game.
Cole was much better in New Orleans than he was in Miami last season. He averaged a career-best 9.9 points a contest to go along with 3.2 assists and 1.5 turnovers in 28 games for the Pelicans. Cole also shot a career-high 44.4 percent percent from the floor and 37.8 percent from the three-point line.
For his career, Cole averages 6.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Cole is undersized at 6-foot-2, 175-pounds but he is a high-energy player with some scrappiness to him on both ends of the floor. He can be a pest on the defensive end but is only a decent defender.
Offensively, he is very shifty, which allows him to get into the lane. Cole is not a good finisher at the rim — only making 53.1 percent of his shots from less than three feet and in — and does not draw a ton of fouls — he drew just 25 shooting fouls last season.
Cole has a qualifying offer of around $3 million, according to CBS Philadelphia. And the Pelicans can match any offer to Cole.
Philadelphia’s interest in Cole makes sense as the Sixers, as the only point guards on the roster is Tony Wroten and Isaiah Cannaan. Wroten, who is expected to be ready by opening day of the season after tearing his ACL during the season, is more of a scorer than distributor. He also turns the ball over a lot.
Cannaan is only 24-years-old and is also more of a scorer than distributor. Canaan is an excellent three-point shooter and very effective in pick-n-roll situations. He is also a good defender. Cannaan is better in a backup role than a starter.
The question is can New Orleans afford to let Cole go?
The answer is yes as long as Jrue Holiday is healthy. Holiday has appeared in just 74 games over the past seasons though he did play in three-of-the Pelicans four playoff games against Golden State. Holiday averaged 14.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 40 games last year.
If Cole does leave, Toney Douglas has the ability to back up Tyreke Evans and Holiday. Jimmer Fredette, who is currently a free agent, is not expected to be back with the Pelicans.
[Photo by Stacey Revere/ Getty Images]
