In Bill Simmons' latest episode of his podcast, he made some ridiculous statements towards the New Orleans Pelicans and their fans. Simmons had Zach Lowe on the podcast with him, and the two were discussing expansion in the NBA, when Simmons instantly brought up the Pelicans.
“I look at a situation like New Orleans. I don't know what that team is worth in its current state. I don't know what it's worth with that,” Simmons said. “Like playing in the Smoothie King, playing in a market that clearly has not responded to basketball in the same way these other markets. And it's like if somebody bought them and just moved them to Seattle and paid everybody relocation fees and then you didn't have to split your media rights, that seems like where this is headed."
While these comments may not sound harsh, his following statement was just an outright attack on the city of New Orleans and its fans.
"I don't mean to start panic on New Orleans basketball...I'm also not sure there's enough of a fan base in place to even care that much."
The idea that the people of New Orleans don't care about the Pelicans is a ridiculous one. The state of Louisiana is home to some of the USA's most passionate and proud people, who love where they are from. To suggest that those same people don't care about their own NBA team is simply blasphemy.
The numbers support this, as despite having a disastrous 2024-25 season in which the Pelicans won just 21 games, they weren't last in attendance. According to ESPN, New Orleans ranked 24th in attendance last season, ahead of teams such as the Grizzlies, Pacers, Kings, and Clippers. This shows that whether they win or lose, New Orleans fans will always show up and support the Pelicans.
Fuel to the fire
While Simmons' comments may hurt the people of New Orleans, the only way to prove him wrong is by continuing to support this team. That means showing up to games at the Smoothie King Center and bringing the energy that only the Big Easy knows how to bring.
For the players, this offseason has been filled with criticism after criticism, so this is nothing new and serves as more fuel to the fire for players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones. The Pelicans should use the quotes and comments that have been flying around this summer as bulletin board material to motivate them to make the 2025-26 season a great one in New Orleans.
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities, not just in the US but in the entire world, and no one can take that away. To suggest their people don't care about an NBA team in their city is ridiculous and the farthest thing from the truth.