The New Orleans Pelicans when Zion Williamson is off the Floor
The New Orleans Pelicans are currently the 11th seed and 5.5 games out of the playoffs. Since the NBA expanded to 16 playoff teams in 1983-84, only one team has managed to qualify for the playoffs after being in such deep of a hole at the All-Star Break (the 1994-95 Denver Nuggets). Additionally, the last time an 11-seed or lower this deep into the season made the postseason was in 2007 (the “We Believe” Warriors).
History is working against these Pelicans. However, this is not your typical 11-seed talent-wise. They have gone 17-9 after hitting rock-bottom on December 18, with a top-ten offense and defense to boot. The roster is stocked with a powerful mix of athleticism, ball-handling, shooting, and basketball IQ. FiveThirtyEight’s RAPTOR model still gives them a 57 percent to make the playoffs, despite their grim record.
If New Orleans wants to make that run, they need to find a way to stay afloat when Zion Williamson hits the bench. The young phenom has had an immediate impact on the Pelicans’ success. He is already one of the best paint finishers in the league, and his unselfish nature permeates through the rest of the team.
When Zion gets subbed out, the effect is palpable. You can feel the energy level and momentum seep out of his teammates even through the television screen. The numbers back this up. In the 10 games that Zion Williamson has played in, New Orleans has a +12.8 Net Rating when he is on the floor versus a -5.4 Net Rating when he is off the floor. The sample is admittedly tiny, but this is still something to monitor going forward.