Four Ways the New Orleans Pelicans Could Be Worse Next Season

Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward

(23) and head coach

walk off the court after they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors following game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Last week we posted an article here on Pelican Debrief listing four reasons that the New Orleans Pelicans should be better next season. While all four reasons look probable, this is the NBA and probable does not always happen. With that in mind, it seems smart to look at things in the other direction as well, reasons why the Pelicans could be worse next season.

Now before we get into things it seems necessary to define what exactly “be worse” means in regards to the Pelicans. A few win dropoff doesn’t seem to be a fair case. Neither does missing the playoffs after making it just a season ago. After all, the Western Conference is a brutal place and luck plays a huge part in things.

Just look at last season. The Pelicans won a game they probably shouldn’t have when Anthony Davis banked in an impossible three at the buzzer. They also lost a game in part because Omer Asik tipped a ball into in own basket. There are going to be things they can’t control and a win or two less because of it doesn’t seem fair.

Instead by “be worse” I mean a significant drop. Something like five or more wins, a place that seems to remove some luck and actually mean the team took a step back this season from where they ended last season.

It also bears noting that just because the Pelicans may take a step back this season that doesn’t mean anything for the long-term. Sometimes teams at the bottom of the playoff ladder in the Western Conference fall out the next year. With the Pelicans plan heavily contingent on each of the next two summers, this year is a just another way to audition for free agents. As long as they are competitive and have Anthony Davis at the end of the year things are going to be fine.

Anyway, onto the list.

Next: Regression is Real