New Orleans Pelicans
Breakout candidate: Dyson Daniels
Predicting anything about the New Orleans Pelicans heading into the start of the season is a dangerous task. The Pelicans on paper are one of the most talented teams in the league, from top to bottom. But as we saw last season, their success or failure likely hinges on the team’s ability to remain healthy. Even then, if the Pelicans are going to compete with some of the more talented teams in the Western Conference, they’re going to need more than just a full bill of health this season.
That’s where a breakout performance from a player like Dyson Daniels can come into play. Daniels didn’t play a huge role during his rookie season with the Pelicans but comes in with plenty of raw talent that the team needs to continue to build around. Being a former top-10 pick, it’s not that outlandish to believe that a big jump in his game could be on the horizon.
He’s entering the season as a backup guard but could be one injury away from playing big minutes for a team that is looking to cement itself as a prominent playoff team in the Western Conference. This could be a big season for Daniels in New Orleans.