Roster continuity was the predominant theme of this New Orleans Pelicans offseason, but after free agency commenced July 1, one key puzzle piece from last spring’s playoff-qualifying team wasn’t yet locked into place. That changed Thursday, when restricted free agent Norris Cole was re-signed on a one-year deal. The return of Cole – whose arrival at the February trade deadline coincided with the Pelicans turning their season around in 2014-15 – means that each of New Orleans’ top 11 scorers are back in the fold.
New Orleans was just 27-27 and outside the top eight of the Western Conference when the two-time NBA champion made his Pelicans debut Feb.