NBA: Battle for the Final Spot in the Western Conference
By Drew Clark
New Orleans Pelicans (14-22, 11th in Western Conference)
Anthony Davis. Enough said.
He’s a superstar that has led a bad NBA roster to 14 wins. Before Jrue Holiday came back, many were calling for AD to be traded somewhere his talents could be of use. Holiday and the new addition of Tyreke Evans, off of the disabled list, should help keep this team in contention for the duration of the season.
The two guards can also take some weight off AD’s shoulders to keep him healthy. So far averaging 28.9 and 11.9 on the season, Davis has had a few knick-knack injuries forcing him to miss four games.
He’s not the only Pelican to battle injuries as the team has had 17 different players suit up for them. Tyreke Evans is on a 15 minutes limit, working his way back from a knee injury. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel though with only one player (Quincy Pondexter) on the injury report at this time.
The injury fill-ins have produced when given the opportunity. Tim Frazier even earned a spot as a role player while he was a starter for the absent Holiday. He is one of five players averaging double digits. Terrence Jones has done an excellent job in the front-court when AD is sidelined. Even E’Twaun Moore found himself having more positive moments than negative ones.
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If these players can continue to contribute when Evans is fully healthy, the Pelicans could see themselves in good shape late in the season. They just have to ride on Anthony Davis’ wings to March and win games when they matter.