Free agent guard Ian Clark has agreed to a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to a report by Shams Charania of The Vertical.
Clark saw an increased role with the Golden State Warriors last season, playing 14.8 minutes per game as a hybrid guard off the bench.
While his 6.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game are modest, the Belmont standout made the most of his opportunity during his two-year stint in the Bay Area, shooting a career-high 48.7 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from deep — attractive numbers for a Pelicans team that has slowly collected shooters to put around an All-Star–studded frontcourt.
Clark’s stint with Golden State neared a sure-fire end when the organization entertained the signing of Nick Young earlier in July, putting a shooting guard directly under Klay Thompson and squandering his chances of a potential return to the team. The signing of JaVale McGee last week put a lid to that chance, taking up the last remaining spot on the roster.
The 6-foot-3 point guard should see plenty of spot up opportunities playing behind Rajon Rondo and providing a contrast to his ball-heavy style of play
Following his signing, the Pelicans are close to reaching the hard cap with $5.4 million in combined unlikely bonuses that can have the team at $1.5 million below the hard cap, according to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks.
