The excitement around the New Orleans Pelicans before training camp has never been higher. Fans relish ever win, but five series carry extra importance.
The New Orleans Pelicans feel like a new franchise going into next season. David Griffin and the rest of the front office have rejuvenated the Big Easy basketball scene. Where most fans expected at least a year of rebuilding, Griffin saw an opportunity to load up.
This could be the most uncertain Western Conference playoff race in a decade. The Warriors loomed for the last five years. The Pelicans were only worried about measuring up to Golden State the last three years though.
For the last two decades of New Orleans professional basketball history, divisional rivals San Antonio, Dallas, Memphis, and Houston have proved stiff competition. Worrying about challenging the conference champs was years away.
The New Orleans Pelicans were not bothering with years away worries. Why? Players are worried about this season, and maybe the next. The Big Three era with a trio of stars aligning in one city could be done. Stars want their own team, with a star sidekick to help of course, and a chance to win.
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This has given more teams a belief they could make a run. The New Orleans Pelicans are no different. Though this could be the team’s deepest roster ever, intense games are won with star matchups, not depth, most of the time.
Obviously, the tension before games against the Los Angeles Lakers will be palpable. They are first on this list, and the Anthony Davis trade sage and resulting negotiations almost demand a nationally televised game. LeBron James versus Zion Williamson would receive similar billing to a Money Mayweather Las Vegas boxing match.
Derrick Favors will want to show he can replace Davis at the five, happily. Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball will want to show Rob Pelinka and the Lakers what they can do in a stable playing environment.
Even the player introductions would add drama to the game. In New Orleans, almost a year’s worth of proper booing is pent up, waiting to be yelled at Davis. The civil politeness showed when he took the court last season will be thrown out like an empty beer can on Bourbon Street.