NBA Preseason Power Rankings: Where do the New Orleans Pelicans land?
By Nick Alvarez
19. Indiana Pacers
This year is a make or break season for the Indiana Pacers. Last season, many believed that the Pacers would threaten the Eastern Conference for a dark horse Finals run in 2020, but unfortunately, they never lived up to their potential.
This season that should change with star Victor Oladipo further removed from his devastating quad injury. Having Oladipo surrounded by Malcolm Brogdon, TJ Warren, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner should be enough to once again make the playoffs too. It’ll be intriguing to see if new head coach Nate Bjorkgren can make this roster live up to their hype from last season.
18. Washington Wizards
In the nation’s capital, the Washington Wizards are hoping to return to the playoffs and appease superstar Bradley Beal, who’s earned no recognition for his amazing play over the past two seasons. Luckily for Beal, this year’s Wizards have the horses to make some noise in the playoffs.
Adding Russell Westbrook was a crazy trade that I believe could pay off on this roster, and drafting Deni Avdija with the 9th overall pick gives the Wizards another shotmaker too. I also wouldn’t sleep on Rui Hachimura as a player who could make a tremendous second-year leap. I’ll certainly be watching this Wizards team as they come out the gates.