New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Reasons why they’ll win the Southwest Division

The New Orleans Pelicans failed to live up to expectations this year, but here are three reasons they might exceed them in the 2021 season

Coming into the 2019-2020 seasons, expectations were high for the New Orleans Pelicans. They were fresh off trading away Anthony Davis and selecting Zion Williamson with the 1st overall pick. Factor in underrated veteran Jrue Holiday and what we thought was a solid coach in Alvin Gentry, it looked like the New Orleans Pelicans were fighting for a playoff spot.

Of course, we all know, the team fell apart in the NBA bubble but that doesn’t change how bright the future looks for this Pelicans team. I’ll be the first to say it, the New Orleans Pelicans will be the best team in the Southwest Division next season.

What? How could I possibly say that when the Pelicans haven’t hired a coach, haven’t drafted a single player, or signed a free agent? Hear me out, I have my reasonings.

I’m not saying that this means the Pelicans will be a top-four team in the Western Conference. I’m just saying that I believe the Pelicans will be better than the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and San Antonio Spurs. Take that how you will.

So why do I have this bold take on the Pelicans next season when they’ve done nothing to change from last season? I have three reasons why that account for both improvements I believe the Pelicans will make going into next season, and regressions I think we’ll see in the division’s other teams next season. Let’s get into them.