Quincy Pondexter

Pondexter arrived in New Orleans mid-year after being acquired in a three-team deal from the Grizzlies for guards Austin Rivers and Russ Smith. It was with the Pelicans that Pondexter truly blossomed last season, averaging 9.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers in 45 games, 28 of which were starts. All of those stats would qualify as career-highs for Pondexter if extrapolated over a full season. Pondexter's role on this year's team is a bit in flux heading into the season. If new coach Alvin Gentry decides Tyreke Evans is better deployed off the bench—as his predecessor Monty Williams did—Pondexter would be the frontrunner to claim the starting small forward job. If not, the six-year pro would be in line to serve as the team's first wing off the bench. With a similar build to former Gentry protege Draymond Green, Pondexter could also steal a few minutes as a small-ball power forward if Gentry is inclined to turn away from plodding big men Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca. Regardless of his role, Pondexter figures to be used as a weapon from beyond the arc after shooting a career-best 43 percent from deep after his trade from the Grizzlies. Gentry's Warriors utilized the three-ball heavily, and his Pelicans should do the same. Pondexter is coming off of offseason knee surgery, but it shouldn't affect his status for training camp.

Pondexter is entering his fifth season in the NBA. Last year, he averaged 6.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 18 minutes per game through 15 games. He shot 39 percent from the field on 5.3 attempts per game, 32 percent from deep on 2.3 attempts per game, and 81 percent from the charity stripe on 1.7 attempts per game. Pondexter got off to a slow start in 2013-14 before being ruled out for the season with a stress fracture in his right foot. After a promising display during the Grizzlies' 2012-13 Western Conference finals run, during which he averaged 8.9 points (49% FG, 45% 3-Pt, 61% FT), 2.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 24 minutes per game, Pondexter was given an extension that will keep him under contract through 2017-18. It's clear that at one point the Grizzlies believed he was an integral part of the team's future. Given Tayshaun Prince's apparent decline, Pondexter could earn a decent role even if he never leapfrogs Prince in the rotation. Entering the final year of his contract, Prince could be used as a trade chip, but even if he remains with the team, he's highly unlikely to be re-signed next summer. If Pondexter is able to get back to being the solid defender and 36-percent three-point shooter he's been thus far in his career, coach Dave Joerger should have a tough time overlooking him on a squad that finished last in three-pointers made last season. Still, given the Grizzlies' depth of versatile shooting guards, the presence of Prince, and the rust that's likely to exist after being out for so long, Pondexter enters 2014-15 as someone to keep an eye on, but he likely won't hold much immediate value in anything but the deepest leagues.

Pondexter improved statistically for a second consecutive season in 2012-13, averaging career highs in points (6.6), rebounds (2.2), assists (1.0) and minutes played (21.1). Memphis' weak bench has given Pondexter an opportunity to become a legitimate rotation player. Injuries limited him to 59 games last season, and he hasn't played more than 66 games in any of his three NBA seasons. With Rudy Gay gone, there's a chance for Pondexter to grab more reserve minutes this coming season. He shot well from the perimeter last season, making 39.5 percent from 3-point distance. That's a skill the Grizzlies need. If he can continue to improve his overall game, there may be a chance for him to grab some starts from Tayshaun Prince.

The Grizzlies added Pondexter to their frontcourt early in the season after they lost Zach Randolph and Darrell Arthur to injuries. The second-year player never took on too large of a role in the Grizzlies’ offense, and he averaged just 5.9 points in his eight games as a starter. He could earn a bit more playing time in 2012-13 with O.J. Mayo gone, but he will need to scrap for minutes behind Tony Allen and Rudy Gay.

Pondexter looks to be in a position battle with fellow second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu. Pondexter is coming off a rookie year where he shot over 40 percent from the field while averaging 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11 minutes. He spent the offseason in an intense shooting program, and if the preseason is any indication, is looking to make more of an offensive impact. Though Pondexter isn’t as tall as Aminu, his familiarity with the other returning Hornets and coach Williams, along with a 30-pound size advantage, should give Pondexter the edge for the primary backup role.

A highly touted rookie acquired in a draft-day trade from the Thunder, Pondexter is in the Hornets' deep small forward rotation. After averaging 19.3 points per game his senior year of college, Pondexter brings a much-needed scoring element off the bench and has good defensive skills to boot. While at Washington, he saw yearly increases in his steals, culminating at 1.3 per game, and in rebounding, finishing at 7.6 per game. With the shooting guard and small forward positions in flux, Pondexter can boost his chances at extended minutes with a strong showing in the preseason.