16. New Orleans Pelicans
For much of the first half of last season, the New Orleans Pelicans found themselves in the thick of the race for the top seed in the Western Conference. However, that all began to fall apart when the injuries began to pile up for the team. In the end, the Pelicans failed to make the playoffs. It was quite the collapse but considering the injuries that the team had to overcome, it wasn’t that surprising.
Heading into this season, there should be hope and excitement surrounding the Pelicans. Especially if Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram can remain healthy. New Orleans is one of the deepest teams in the West and their chances of breaking through into the playoffs in the West will come down to health.
It’s tough to gauge what the Pelicans will be this season but if Zion continues to be the most dominant player in the paint when he’s on the floor, there’s not much that’s stopping the Pelicans from turning a few heads once again this season.