How the possibility of a second NBA Bubble Effects the New Orleans Pelicans 2021 season
The NBA is in an interesting predicament. Fans around the world are watching the 2020 Playoffs unfold in the bubble due to the ongoing pandemic, while the league searches for how to handle the 2021 season. This uncertainty is impacting the New Orleans Pelicans.
After being bounced early into the bubble, the Pelicans are waiting patiently for the 2020 NBA Draft and Free Agency. The NBA is delaying both of those events until at least November while they formulate their plan for 2021. So what will that plan look like?
According to both commissioner Adam Silver and reports for Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the 2021 season will possibly take place within regional bubbles across America. After seeing how the New Orleans Pelicans performed in the first bubble, these reports concern me.
It already feels like so long ago, but the New Orleans Pelicans were a complete flop in the NBA bubble. A team that was expected to have their coming-out party in the bubble only showcased stumbling play and problematic attitudes.
Since that was the case for the team’s first go-around in a bubble situation, I want to look forward and analyze three concerns for the New Orleans Pelicans if the team does have to play in a bubble next season.