New Orleans Pelicans: 4 Teams that will Make a Big Leap Next Season

The New Orleans Pelicans started slowly due to injuries and new faces, but they are one of four teams poised to make a big leap in the 2020-21 season.

When Zion Williamson‘s debut for the New Orleans Pelicans was cut short by an earthquake, we should have known that this season was going to be rough.

The Pelicans lost their prized rookie in his very first game, as he suffered a knee injury that would keep him out for most of the season.

Couple that with a whole new cast of players, and the New Orleans Pelicans got off to an abysmal 6-22 start and it looked like another lost season, another high lottery pick and back to the drawing board.

The Pelicans were able to resurrect their season behind the play of Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball, and once Zion returned, they had a legitimate shot at making the playoffs.

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently tied for the 10th seed, 3.5 games behind Memphis, but may not get a chance to catch the Grizzlies if the season is cancelled or resumes for playoffs only.

Though it would be a shame if the Pelicans didn’t get a chance to catch the Grizzlies, what we have seen from this team at full strength is enough to get fans excited for what is to come.

The New Orleans Pelicans could be a force as early as next season, and are one of several teams who are ready to make the leap to become contenders.

Some of these teams (like the New Orleans Pelicans) had down seasons after injuries or shuffling rosters, while others started to build the foundation for a soon-to-be contender and just needed another year of reps to get there.

Here are four teams that will build on what they started in 2019-20 to make a big leap in the standings next season.