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

Reason #3- The Southwest Division is primed to see a regression in the 2021 season

My final reason for the New Orleans Pelicans winning the Southwest division this year has to do with everyone else. I think the Pelicans are improving while the other teams are getting worst. Don’t believe me, let’s have a look.

Starting with the division’s top team in the Houston Rockets. The Houston Rockets have begun a turbulent offseason where they’ve already moved on from their head coach in Mike D’Antoni, and their top executive Daryl Morrey depart. On top of that, rumors are already circulating that the Rockets want to get rid of Russell Westbrook. It’s not looking good in H-Town.

Then there are the biggest threats to the Pelicans, the Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavericks already have one of the best players in the NBA in Luka Doncic, but he’ll be without his top co-star Kristaps Porzingis due to a meniscus tear. The Grizzlies find themselves in the same boat with an impressive young core that’ll be missing Jaren Jackson Jr for much of the season.

Finally, there’s the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are led by the great Gregg Popovich, and for the past two decades, the Southwest division belonged to them, not anymore. The Spurs are relying on the duo of DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge who are declining and a bunch of unproven youth. Their coaching may be top-notch, but they don’t have the talent to keep up.

Get the idea now? The New Orleans Pelicans are in the perfect position to take control of their division this year. Sure they need a couple of breaks from their opponents, but their talent is ripe to be ready next. Are 45-48 wins and a division title an attainable goal for the Pelicans? I think it is, and next season will be the start of a long stretch of good basketball in New Orleans.