Whilst we have examined the strengths of the Pels, unfortunately, there are also some major weaknesses that need to be addressed. Through this post, I will look at the major factors that will affect the Pelicans negatively next season.
The Stacked Western Conference
This is something completely out of the Pels’ hands, but it is major factor nevertheless. If the Pels were in the Eastern Conference, which they should be, they would be a playoff team for sure, somewhere between the 3rd and 6th seed. They would be behind the Cavaliers and Celtics but certainly challenging the Bucks, Raptors, and Wizards for the 3rd seed.
The Pels need success and they need it fast if they want to keep Davis and Cousins together for more than just one season. This off season, three Eastern Conference All Stars have moved West, Jimmy Butler from the Bulls to Timberwolves, Paul George from the Pacers to OKC and Paul Millsap from the Hawks to the Nuggets, making life tougher for all. To be fair, the Jazz lost Gordon Hayward to the Celtics.
The top four guaranteed teams to make the playoffs I believe are the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder. After that, It is going to be a free for all for the final 4 spots. The Timberwolves and Nuggets will gain 2 of them, leaving the Pels, Trailblazers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Jazz, and Lakers (probably not really though), challenging for just two positions.
I’m sure, like every other team in the league, we have high hopes for the season ahead, but let’s not kid ourselves at the enormity of the challenge ahead. Just to make the playoffs will be a great success in what could be the toughest conference of all time.