The New Orleans Pelicans’ next game will see a groundbreaking collaboration between the NBA and Marvel.
With the Pels set to take on the Golden State Warriors in an important game for both teams, let’s relieve some stress. Here is a fun look at what Marvel character New Orleans’ starting lineup best resembles:
New Orleans Pelicans: Eric Bledsoe as Spider-Man
Bledsoe is one of the newest members of the roster, just like how Spider-Man is the newest Avenger.
At first, both Spider-Man and Bledsoe were not taken very seriously. Bledsoe had a tumultuous start to his career at the Smoothie King Center and, even to this day, many within the Pels fanbase advocate for trading him.
However, character development is important for these two. Peter Parker grows throughout his comics and movies from a kid to a man. Ditto for Bledsoe, who really struggled to integrate himself into this team but has somewhat turned it around since the trade deadline.
Now, let’s see if Bledsoe gets his own spin-off movies, so to speak, or if he joins a new team this off-season.
New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball as Vision
Ball is one of the better passers on the Pelicans, so you could say he has that court vision. Much like his superhero counterpart, Lonzo has really adapted to his new role under head coach Stan Van Gundy.
With the addition of Bledsoe, Ball hasn’t always been the guy to bring up the ball, but he is often the one who makes the decisive plays. Like Vision, the Pels’ point guard has an incredibly high basketball IQ. He constantly makes smart decisions and accurate reads.
Ball knows the game of basketball like the back of his hand, and if you doubt that, just ask Magic Johnson.
"“I’m going to tell you this: there’s no guard in this league. point guard, whose basketball IQ is higher than Lonzo Ball. The IQ of Lonzo Ball is off the charts."
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram as Iron Man
If Tony Stark is the man behind the creation of the Avengers, then one could argue that Brandon Ingram was at the core of this Pelicans team.
Even before drafting Zion Williamson, Ingram’s improvement was already evident. He was an all-star last season, deservedly so. Ingram has improved so much from his days with the Los Angeles Lakers and, upon landing in New Orleans, brought some life back to Pelicans basketball.
Iron Man is a creator, being responsible for his suits and just the entire Avengers team. There are some parallels with Ingram, who is a shot creator that can take a defender 1-on-1 and drive down the lane or make a tough pull-up jumper.
Iron Man sacrificed himself to bring everyone back after Thanos basically wiped out humanity, but Ingram still has some work to do in the clutch. He is unafraid of these big situations but needs to make his shots more often. Either way, they are both great leaders.
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson as Thanos
I’m sure you saw this coming, right?
There is no question about it: Thanos and Zion are two peas in a pod. Both are huge, scary forces of nature that are not afraid to wipe anyone out. Let’s face it, Williamson even has an Infinity Gauntlet chain that is all decked out in diamonds. He has admitted to Thanos being his favorite character, as well.
Both Zion and Thanos possess superhero strength, which is quite a feat given that Williamson is ultimately just a mere mortal. However, he cannot be stopped. Thanos wants the power to wipe out half of human life and Zion wants the power to wipe out his competition in the NBA.
He has already taken one important step, becoming a first-time all-star this season. Now, the next key for him will be making the playoffs with the Pels.
New Orleans Pelicans: Steven Adams as the Hulk
It’s too bad that Aquaman is not a Marvel character because Steven Adams is literally him. From the way he looks to the way he dresses, Adams is not one to make a fuss with his “fits.” He’s all business.
But since we are sticking with Marvel, then it’s the Hulk that best defines the Pelicans’ center. Both of them are really nice on the outside, but once you get them angry, then uh-oh. That is never a good sign.
Much like the Hulk, Adams is a brick wall that cannot be moved. He can easily absorb blows and, when someone drives on Adams, he takes the contact and gives it right back for some great defensive plays.
Now, can someone ask the Hulk if he knows how to deal with a toe injury?
Up next, the Pelicans will take on the Warriors for the first of three games between both teams to end the regular season. This is sure to be an exciting affair, not only because of the star power on both teams as Zion Williamson and Stephen Curry go up against each other, but also because of this collaboration.
We’re not quite sure what the NBA and Marvel have in store, but we do know this: both brands could have hardly picked a better game. The Pelicans embody many of these superheroes. Now, it’s time to play like them, as well.