NBA: 5 most improved teams heading into 2019-20

5. New Orleans Pelicans

Whatever New Orleans Pelicans GM David Griffin is making, it is not enough. He took a franchise that was not only losing their best player, but was also losing one of the best players in the league, and changed it into a roster that arguably looks like a lineup that should be in playoff contention.

It all started on NBA Draft night when the lottery gods blessed Griffin and the Pelicans with the magic ping pong ball that awarded them winners of the Zion Williamson sweepstakes. They then traded away disgruntled Anthony Davis and made the best of a tough situation by getting back Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart.

Then the Pelicans decided to make Zion feel right at home by becoming Duke South and signing former Dukie J.J. Redick, making three former Blue Devils in their projected starting lineup (Redick, Williamson, and Ingram).

To cap it off, the Pelicans traded for underrated Derrick Favors to round out a very exciting team that has Pelican fans extremely excited for next season to start.