Would Cancelling the NBA Season Benefit the New Orleans Pelicans?

A Cancelled Season Would Not Benefit the New Orleans Pelicans

Strictly from a fan’s point of view, the last thing I want is a cancelled season. The NBA playoffs are the best thing in sports and a loss of even one of them wouldn’t be good for fans.

Obviously fans want to get things going as soon as it’s safe, but there are some compelling reasons for the players to want the same and it’s not all about the potential for lost wages.

The Pelicans are Missing Out on Pressure Reps

Even if the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t make the playoffs this season, they’d still get reps in pressure-filled situations, which can only benefit them in the future.

Most of the team hasn’t been a part of a playoff push, where every game matters and has a playoff atmosphere. The Pelicans would have gotten some of the experience they will need if they want to knock off teams like the Lakers.

It took the Bulls three tries to finally beat the Pistons and losing in the playoffs was part of that. If the season is cancelled, the Pelicans won’t take that necessary first step to winning a title.

Playing Builds Chemistry Too

Chemistry is built by playing together, not just studying film or practicing. The New Orleans Pelicans were just beginning to scratch the surface of their talent and chemistry as a unit and they need more time.

Game situations are tough to simulate and no amount of film study or practice can replace the experience of playing together in actual games. Even if the Pels had come up short in their quest, they would have gotten more time and reps together in real games.

If the season is cancelled, their growth as a team will be set back.

What about the Veterans?

There are guys on the New Orleans Pelicans who may not be on the team next season, which means this was their last chance to make it work in the Big Easy.

Guys like Derrick Favors were vital to the success of the Pelicans and may not get a chance to finish what they started. This is true of E’Twaun Moore and even J.J. Redick, who isn’t in his last year, but may end up traded at some point.

Forget Money, Basketball is Fun

I know teams are worried about budget and lost revenue, but let’s not forget the point is entertainment. The New Orleans Pelicans were already one of the most fun teams in the league to watch and we were due for an exciting finish.

If they did make the playoffs, the LeBron vs. Zion series would have been one of the all-time most hyped first round series and would have undoubtedly provided nightly highlights.

Potentially getting denied that series is a bummer from a fan’s perspective, especially when you consider the New Orleans Pelicans were trying to take the first baby steps towards a dynasty.

A cancelled season may be better for bodies, but not for fans and the player’s ultimate development.

This has been the wildest NBA season in history and may get more so as the league decides between some ending to this season or a full cancellation.

Thanks for reading and stay safe out there!