New Orleans Pelicans: A vibrant chemistry is developing in training camp

The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to build something special in training camp with some positive team chemistry

It’s the famous cliche that championships are often won and lost in training camp. I wouldn’t necessarily say that the New Orleans Pelicans are aiming that high for this season, but I will say that their goal of reaching the playoffs might be starting from that same cliche.

Here we are, a week into training camp, and while there are a few new faces, this New Orleans Pelicans feels worlds different from the one that entering training camp last season. What can we attribute that to? Is it the encouraging feels that a healthy Zion Williamson gives this team? I don’t know, maybe it’s the more vocal veteran presence from Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams or it could be the culture that Stan Van Gundy is establishing for this team.

From the outside looking in, we can’t say for sure but just look at the genuine happiness on this team from the photos released from training camp.

That doesn’t even capture the rest of what’s been released from the team. We wrote yesterday about the impact Stan Van Gundy is making on installing his system and changing how this team operates, and now we’re seeing it from the players’ side of things.

This year’s New Orleans Pelicans don’t just look happier, they look connected too. So many times last season, it felt like this roster was more a collection of talent on the court rather than a cohesive team striving for a goal.

That’s no longer the case, we’ve already heard about how Eric Bledsoe is taking Kira Lewis Jr. under his wing and how Steven Adams is endearing himself to the team’s frontcourt. Look beyond that and fans can see that Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are now learning how to play with each other and become a deadly duo in this league.

All of this is an indication that the Pelicans are building something this year. They may not show it on the court right away, but this roster is growing together and preparing to get better as the season goes along. Sure, we’ll have to see how they react in the face of adversity but there’s no denying that this is a whole new team for a whole new season. Buckle up fans, because I think they’re just getting started.