Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
Anthony Davis(23) and Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry(30) talk following game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans
Last Year’s Outcome: 45-37, L, First Round
Best-Case Scenario: Second Round Playoff Exit
Why: Anthony Davis is ridiculous. Let’s just state the facts about the guy. His efficiency was off of the charts last season and he carried his team to the playoffs. That was even in the harsh Western Conference. With Alvin Gentry now running the show, the Pelicans seem poised to become a great force on the NBA landscape.
If the gifted Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday can stay healthy, the Pelicans could very well pull a first round upset over a higher seed. With a legitimate NBA MVP candidate in Davis and a solid supporting cast, the future is looking fantastic in the Big Easy.
Worst-Case Scenario: Miss Playoffs
Why: Here’s the issue with the Pelicans; they have a weak bench. So much of their success is centered around Anthony Davis. Not saying his shoulders can’t bear the weight, he is more than capable, but if Holiday and Gordon miss extensive time there is not much of anything there. The worst thing that could happen is that the Pelicans have to rely on their depth, and that leads them straight out of the playoff picture.
What Will Probably Happen: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: The Pelicans have every reason to be excited. A young star, solid starting line-up, and a proven coach would be enough to make the playoffs…in the East. Unfortuently for New Orleans, they are in the Western Conference. There is just too much talent to compete with to believe that the young Pelicans can unseat the top teams. At least for now. As Davis develops and the roster is filled out, the Pelicans could be a major player in a few years.
Next: New York Knicks