New Orleans Pelicans sign free agent guard Tim Frazier, waive forward Troy Williams

A mere couple of hours before the New Orleans Pelicans get underway in their season opener against the Houston Rockets, the front office decided to make a roster change. Former fan favorite Tim Frazier is rejoining the team as a signed free agent after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him a few days ago. To make room on New Orleans 15-man squad, the unguaranteed contract of Troy Williams was waived.

Frazier spent close to 1.5 years with New Orleans, initially joining the Pelicans on a 10-day contract shortly after the Portland Trail Blazers had waived him on February 18, 2016.

During the final 16 games of the 2015-16 season, Frazier impressed the front office with averages of 13.1 points, 7.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals. This showing led to a new multi-year deal in the following offseason, but he was traded one year later to the Washington Wizards for a second round draft pick.

After Jarrett Jack was waived this past preseason, many expected the Pelicans to add another point guard once roster moves were made across the league to meet various requirements. Elfrid Payton is the starter, but his track record is not the strongest and recently Ian Clark was named his backup. With the Pelicans maintaining a desire to keep Jrue Holiday at shooting guard as much as possible, a Payton-Clark rotation at the one would have been shaky going forward.

Enter, Tim Frazier, a good friend of Anthony Davis, familiar with Alvin Gentry’s concepts and acclimated to playing alongside an off-the-ball Holiday.

With Wes Johnson coming to New Orleans in a trade for Alexis Ajinca, the Pelicans suddenly had a surplus at the small forward position. Although Frazier failed to live up to his 16-game glimpse from several years ago, the Pelicans were more interested in finding stability at the backup point guard position than taking a chance on an unknown fit or gambling unnecessarily on a youngster at a different position.

Welcome back, Tim Frazier!