It Is “Make-Or-Break” Time For The New Orleans Pelicans In 2017

Another NBA Media Day has come and gone for the greatest basketball league in the world. 28 of the 30 teams in the association were in attendance and yes, this includes the New Orleans Pelicans. Throughout the day, players and coaches are required to take photographs and answer questions for the media in order to supply the outside world with a little insight on whats to come during the upcoming season. When it was Anthony Davis’ time to cooperate with the directives of the day, he made it abundantly clear that this upcoming season will have a huge impact on the future of the franchise. Whether it be good or bad, Davis is nothing but ‘right’ in regards to his assessment. 

"“We have one year to figure it out”"

During Media Day, Anthony Davis acknowledged the fact that this year, more than ever, the Pelicans MUST find success. After this season, guys like DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, and Tony Allen all enter the open market. If NOLA misses the playoffs for a 3rd straight year, the draw for these players to return to ‘The Big Easy’ may be less enticing. Because of these inconvenient truths, New Orleans as a unit must figure out how to translate this talented group of guys into a winning culture if they wish to remain relevant in the ever improving Western Conference.

Davis stated that this current Pelicans team possesses “the most talented roster we’ve had.” However, he realizes that talent alone does not always equate to success, stating; “But that’s only on paper, we’ve got to go out there and prove it.” And prove it, they must.

If the Pelicans fall short of the playoffs yet again, not only will it have an impact on where the aforementioned players will choose to sign next offseason, but it will have a huge impact on the future of Davis himself.

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The 32-year old, and current franchise cornerstone, is entering the prime of his career. Coming off of a season in which he averaged 28.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG and 2.2 BPG, is he really trying to waste numbers like these playing for a losing organization? If the Pelicans do not progress this season, Davis may grow impatient. He may begin to look into other options. And, due to his status as a current NBA ‘God’, many teams will come to the call.

While I’m sure Davis’ quote was directed towards the talent players who will be coming off the Pelicans payroll at the end of the year, it can also be seen as pertaining to his own future with the franchise.

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While Anthony Davis has shown no desire of leaving NOLA to this point, put another losing season under his belt and things could change. In regards to the 2017-18 season, it is “make-or-break” time for the future of the New Orleans Pelicans organization.