Can New Orleans Pelicans Be A Threat in Western Conference?
By Chris Conner
The New Orleans Pelicans are getting closer to some huge roster decisions. They’re miles away from being a championship contender. Can they even be a threat in the loaded western conference?
Do you ask yourself if the New Orleans Pelicans will be ready to take down the Warriors next season? Well, the answer to that question is probably no.
That doesn’t mean they can not be a threat in the Western Conference.
Whether the Pelicans decide to resign Jrue or not, they are more than likely in the same boat as last year. Their chances of strongly competing in the west falling on the broad shoulders of their two star big men. Considering what the Warriors did to the West in the playoffs, winning just one game could be seen as threatening.
When the Pelicans acquired DeMarcus Cousins, there was a small chance they could at least irritate the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. With two top ten talents and the best big man combo on paper, they could disrupt Golden State’s pace and shooting. While everyone was going small with their lineups, New Orleans would be big.
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More than just big for that matter. Both Anthony Davis and Boogie are able to move around and feel comfortable any spot on the basketball court. They would slow the game down and punish smaller lineups with their star power. Draymond Green would not be able to disrupt Boogie the way he could A.D. in past years.
Instead of getting into a shootout, the New Orleans Pelicans would create a slow, low scoring contest, that would tire out the Warriors a game at a time. Guys like Solomon Hill would loom large against Kevin Durant. Jrue Holiday would be capable of superstar performances against Stephen Curry.
The New Orleans Pelicans would still struggle to win the series, but they would prove almost every game they were not scared of any team or big four. Due to roster depth and overall lack chemistry, that seems like a pipe dream now.
The Pelicans instead managed to miss the playoffs for the second straight season. While winning a couple of games against the Warriors is not an ultimate victory, it is a threat. That is something a team can build on. That is what the Pelicans need, no matter who they sign.
A sense of hope. Not hope for NBA purgatory, but eventual elite.
Not a 5th seed and continual 1st round exits, or an 8th seed sweep.
They should want a team that can take things to the next level and beyond. Maybe that sounds silly, considering that is what every team would like. The reality is, the decisions needed to not just create a core, but keep one are the most challenging tasks in any business.
The Nuggets, Mavericks, and Timberwolves can all make legitimate claims on why they’re in a better position. All three of those teams missed the playoffs last year. Fans can imagine the Pels have an uphill climb.
Luckily for the Pelicans, the hard part is out of the way. Now it’s time to find fits around their duo.
Can they add shooting? Can they find a gem in the second round of the draft next month? Is there a low cost playmaker in free agency, willing to lead the Pelicans at shooting guard or small forward?
While those aspects are important, whether as a fan or a member of the organization, the confidence should be high. The belief should be that New Orleans is on the cusp of something special. The belief is that they will win and Boogie will resign long term.
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So much of the NBA is about overall talent. The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot and will work on the rest. A strong mindset and confidence, however, is a grand place to start.