New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Challenges that stand in the way of a playoff spot
By Nick Alvarez
The New Orleans Pelicans will have some serious obstacles to overcome during the 2021 NBA Season
There is a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the New Orleans Pelicans entering 2021. They have a roster that is much improved from last year. Zion Williamson is fully healthy, and newly hired Stan Van Gundy is a head coach with a winning pedigree.
Those changes from last season have led to many fans projecting that this season will be a resounding success for the Pelicans. Most fans have their hearts set on the team making the playoffs this season, with some fans even thinking that the Pelicans will be a top-5 seed in the Western Conference.
No doubt, I have optimism that this team will be successful too, but I can’t help but look ahead and see a couple of major challenges that these Pelicans face in 2021. If they can overcome those challenges, they’ll surely reach their ceiling, but if they don’t this could be a tough season. So let’s take a look at the challenges that await the young Pelicans.
Stay healthy and safe from COVID-19 will be a major factor for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021
Challenge #1- COVID-19
No one wants to talk about it or speak anything bad into the air, but avoiding COVID-19 is a major challenge for all NBA teams this season.
Unlike last summer, this year’s NBA season will not take place in a bubble which signifies that it’s up to every player in the league to stay safe and follow the league’s protocols to avoid contracting the virus that is causing a global pandemic.
The problem is, this season isn’t stopping if a player does contract COVID-19, instead, players who test positive will have to isolate away from their team as their team continues playing. Since all teams will travel across the country, there’s still a chance that a player can contract the virus even when they’re following protocols.
The reason I think this is especially challenging for the New Orleans Pelicans is that they’re a top-heavy team without a lot of depth. If one of the Pelicans’ starters were to contract the virus, that could seriously inhibit their ability to play their best basketball and win games.
No to mention, we’ve already seen in other sports leagues just how quickly COVID-19 can spread. One player could get test positive and then spread the virus to other players and team personnel. Once we factor in recovery times too, it’s safe to say the Pelicans should do everything in their power to stay healthy if they want to have a successful season.