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ESPN- NBA draft analyst and writer
Joined ESPN.com in July 2017
Founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams
The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to terms with Euroleague guard Dairis Bertans on a contract that includes a team option for 2019-20 season, league sources told ESPN.
The Pelicans waived guard Tim Frazier on Wednesday night after a loss at the Los Angeles Lakers, making available a roster spot for Bertans, league sources said.
This would be the first significant roster move under interim general manager Danny Ferry, who recently replaced Dell Demps. Bertans, 29, is the older brother of San Antonio Spurs forward Davis Bertans.
Dairis Bertans is under contract with Italian team Olimpia Milano and is leading the Euroleague in 3-point shooting at 54 percent. He has an out-clause for the NBA that would allow him to join the Pelicans upon passing a physical and receiving his letter of clearance from FIBA.
Bertans has represented his home country of Latvia at several stages of the FIBA level, including the U16, U18 and U20 European Championships, with numerous appearances for the senior national team in recent years. He would be the fourth player from Latvia (population 1.9 million) in the NBA, including Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis.
Bertans is a career 47 percent 3-point shooter in more than 80 Euroleague appearances.
