NBA: 3 teams primed to make a late-season playoff push

New Orleans Pelicans

Ah, we have reached Zion territory. This team is my personal favorite, one that I truly want to see in that unique playoff atmosphere. This team is absolutely loaded in terms of young talent, but a very poor start to the season has kept them out of playoff seeding so far.

Brandon Ingram made the jump this year as an elite scorer and competent facilitator. He is undoubtedly the No. 1 option. The potential has always been there for Ingram, but this jump is everything the New Orleans Pelicans could have wanted after an offseason where his career was in question due to health issues.

Speaking of the big trade, the rest of the pieces have turned out well also. Lonzo Ball is a stellar playmaker and above-average perimeter defender. Josh Hart is a valuable bench piece as a shooter and the team is now surrounded by a promising young rotation.

Now, let’s talk about Zion. Ever since returning from his injury, he has electrified every court he is on. His strength and quickness dominate games in a way I haven’t quite seen before.

I want more than anything to see this team in a playoff series where Zion can truly enter the league, so to speak. This team is fast, fun and dangerous. Seeing them compete like that would be a gift to basketball fans everywhere.