9. New Orleans Pelicans
X-Factor: Rajon Rondo
The New Orleans Pelicans brought in Alvin Gentry from Golden State’s staff as head coach in 2015-16. His two year tenure has amounted to a 64-100 record. Fans of the Pelicans are calling for Gentry”s firing; they know Anthony Davis is the cornerstone and probably won’t want to stay around with a losing franchise. The clock is ticking to succeed now.
Rajon Rondo was brought in this offseason on a surprise 1yr, $3.3 million deal. Rondo’s a very interesting personality who in the past has clashed with both teammates and coaches. He’s also a former NBA champion, with experience the Pels could use.
Jrue Holiday was brought back to New Orleans on a 5yr, $131.1 million contract. While they may have overpaid, there weren’t many other options. Holiday will slide down to the 2-guard with Rondo’s arrival. Solomon Hill will most likely start at SF.
And then there’s the Pelicans bruising frontcourt. Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins are by far the best PF/C pairing in the league today, and some would argue ever assembled. But that brings up this team’s defining question, what does two elite interior players get you in the NBA today?
While New Orleans has such a talented starting lineup, their bench unit leaves room to be desired. E’Twuan Moore, Jordan Crawford, Ian Clark, Quincy Pondexter, Chieck Diallo, Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik.
The Pelicans made the solid signing of Ian Clark late in the offseason, but still this team will struggle to shoot the deep ball. Their offensive production will certainly run through Davis and Boogie in the post. If Gentry can find an offense to work with such a unique cast of characters, this group can return to the playoffs.
Final Record: 39-43