New Orleans Pelicans Round Table Discussion: State Of The Union

Do the New Orleans Pelicans make the playoffs this season?

Mark Nilon (@MarkNilon):

I think they drop out entirely. While Anthony Davis is clearly the face of the franchise and Jrue Holiday has been having a career year, the loss of DeMarcus Cousins is something I do not believe this team can overcome. They’ve made a few smart moves by bringing in Nikola Mirotic and Emeka Okafor. But, the hole Boogie has left in that front-court is something that cannot be easily patched up. With that fact, I do not believe they make the playoffs this season.

Seth Nefksy (@nef_said): 

I am incredibly worried that the Pels will end the season out of the playoffs with no first rounder. Right now, the Los Angeles Clippers are just half a game behind the Pelicans. Despite trading away superstar Blake Griffin, the Clippers did not trade DeAndre Jordan or Lou Williams, and so their team still looks pretty solid.

Between their versatile backcourt of Avery Bradley, Lou Williams, Milos Teodosic, Tyrone Wallace and the soon returning Austin Rivers, stretchy starting forwards, in Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris, and roller and rim protector supreme, DeAndre Jordan, that team still looks well built. The Utah Jazz is just two and a half games back, as well, and their schedule is relatively weak for the rest of the season.

Chris Connor (@Impatientbull):

I think they do sneak in once they figure out the rotation. Starting DeAndre Liggins should help with the defensive energy and matchups throughout games. Having Rajon Rondo running the second unit will have benefits as well. The Utah Jazz even after their trade shouldn’t be underestimated, neither should the Los Angeles Clippers. Niko Mirotic is a very important variable as well. Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday will for sure need the help. Even though the offense isn’t NOLA’s biggest problem, the more help available the better chances they have.

Joshua Lea (@joshualeaa):

It’s definitely not impossible for New Orleans to make the playoffs. However, they need to make the adjustments to life without DeMarcus Cousins now. That’s up to the head coach, they need to realize that Boogie is out and in order to make the playoffs, they all need to step up. I think they do make the number eight spot. Although, going up against Golden State will not be pretty.