6. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans feel more relevant since drafting Zion Williamson than they ever did in the Anthony Davis era. The new kid on the block has a lot of expectations to meet and it sure will be exciting to watch him try to meet those expectations.
At his worst he’ll be a highlight machine, throwing down some of the best dunks you’ll see this season. There is more to the Pelicans than just Zion that will be fun to watch this year. The backcourt of Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday is already one of the best defensive backcourts in the game without even stepping on the court, and their playmaking in the halfcourt and in transition will be a delight with guys like Zion filling the lane.
The Pelicans have the right mix of vets and young talent to be competitive night in and night out.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers went from a cinderella playoff team to a legitimate contender overnight with the additions of finals MVP Kawhi Leonard through free agency and Paul George via trade.
Immediately, the Clippers feature three of the premier perimeter defenders in the league, including Patrick Beverley. While they’ll never really take over LA with the Lakers in town, I will say it will be fun to watch them try. Two of the best two-way players in their prime, with Kawhi coming off an all-time individual playoff run and Paul George coming off a top-three MVP season, is a recipe for must-see TV.
Not to mention that the team features the best sixth man in the league, Lou Williams, who is one of the craftiest scorers in the entire league, not just the bench.