19. New Orleans Pelicans (15-15)
Much like many teams around this spot in the NBA Power Rankings, the New Orleans Pelicans don’t have enough fire power to compete with the other teams at the top of the Western Conference.
And normally, that would be OK. However, considering that this team has Anthony Davis on it and is still only a middle of the pack team in the West, at best, is not good. Davis has two years remaining on his contract, and the whispers are only growing louder about his potential departure.
I’m not saying that Davis wants out – he certainly hasn’t said that – but management can’t help but feel the heat at some point. And that could come sooner rather than later. Expect the Pelicans to be aggressive when it comes to the trade market over the next few weeks and months.