NBA Preview: 5 Teams That Could Surprise In The Western Conference

Sep 29, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and teammates Eric Gordon (10) and Tyreke Evnas (1) laugh as they wait to take photos during the Pelicans media day at the New Orleans Pelicans practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans finished last season with a 34-48 record and in 12th place in the Western Conference, but also, more importantly, with the rise of a top-five player in this league. When the Pelicans take the court for game 1 of the 2014-15 season, they’ll have potentially, depending on who you ask, the third best player in the NBA — Anthony Davis. If nothing else, THE future superstar in this league.

Sooner rather than later, the NBA will be his.

However, as remains true with many teams on this list, the true catalyst to the Pelicans season will be its health. If New Orleans can’t remain healthy, they won’t be able to stay competitive in the Western Conference. They don’t have the necessary depth to overcome the loss of a key contributor. And they haven’t exactly gotten off to the right foot this year, as Tyreke Evans is expected to miss training camp.

Still, if healthy, the Pelicans will be able to surprise its fair share of teams this season. If they play their cards right, they could find themselves in a fight for the last spot in the playoffs.