How the New Orleans Pelicans could win All-Star Saturday triple crown

1 of 4

New Orleans Pelicans, All-Star Saturday, Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Skills Competition, Slam Dunk Contest

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 28: Zion Williamson #1 talks with Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 28, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

While there aren’t any New Orleans Pelicans taking flight this All-Star Saturday, the team has the firepower to own the weekend in the future.

Today is Feb. 15, 2020, a very exciting day for fans around the league. While New Orleans Pelicans fans might be disappointed that none of their players will partake, tonight’s All-Star Saturday events are certain to thrill.

Starting tonight at 7 p.m. CT, fans can tune in and watch the Taco Bell Skills Challenge, MTN DEW Three-Point Contest, and AT&T Slam Dunk Contest all with music performed by Damian Lillard throughout the evening.

Already off to a great start, All-Star Saturday will have some competition matching the excitement of last night’s battle between the first and second-year players.

Yesterday in the Rising Stars competition, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Nicolò Melli did a great job representing the New Orleans Pelicans on Team World.

However, Zion Williamson was the belle of the ball, thrilling a large crowd with some Valentine’s Day sugar. He finished with 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting in the game, helping to boost Team USA to a 151-131 victory over Team World in a really fun display of young talent.

Zion dunked so hard that he bent the rim! pic.twitter.com/jgIRp10Q6L
— SB Nation (@SBNation) February 15, 2020

One moment that brought particular attention was his rim-bending dunk, which caused a delay in action until United Center personnel could fix the rim.

Moments like that will make fans savor for a chance to watch Zion partake in a dunk contest (more on that later), as it’s so rare that we get to see rim-crushing stars take part in the league’s official competition.

While it’s both a matter of selection and a matter of interest, the New Orleans Pelicans’ star rookie would have an excellent chance to take home the crown in that competition. On the other hand, it seems like there’s enough talent on the team to win more than just the dunk contest.

The New Orleans Pelicans are lucky to have such a vast array of talent, as the team has the theoretical weapons to win all three competitions on All-Star Saturday.

Thanks to Executive Vice President David Griffin’s roster construction, the Pelicans have a diverse group of players with pretty nice skillsets throughout.

While it was hard to find the perfect Pelicans player for each of the competitions, it seemed like the team could make a real run at the All-Star Saturday triple crown if they had the interest both in their lockerroom and from the NBA.

Home/Pelicans News