New Orleans Pelicans: Looking at 5 rivals the team could have in the Zion era

The New Orleans Pelicans are about to usher in a new era, but they’re not the only team in the west doing so—here are 5 teams that the Pels could see a lot of in the coming years.

The power has shifted, the western conference is for the taking, the Warriors dynasty is all but over. Teams have loaded up in attempts to capture the Larry O’Brien trophy next June, some are still arising—seasons away from legitimate contention. The New Orleans Pelicans have never had it easy in their division or conference and that is unlikely to change.

The Pels may boast an enticing roster, one filled with optimism and hope, but they’re still amongst those in the process of being serious contenders in a loaded western conference.

Certain teams represent roadblocks, others are filled with young talent just like them and timelines are likely to merge together and battles shall ensue. There are the obvious candidates, the head honcho’s of the west and then there are those who are trying to make their names known in a more traditional sense (small market teams that don’t have the luxury of alluring the biggest free agents).

Let’s take a glimpse into the future. Hopefully, it doesn’t look like Biff’s World from Back to the Future: Part II—in the NBA universe that would likely mean a Lakers dynasty. Spite me in the comments.