A seventh place finish in the Western Conference left much to be desired for Pelicans fans eyes. The product on the court was shaky at times, with rim-rattling, high-flying action that drew oohs and aahs from fans mixed with inconsistent offense and porous defense that drew jeers from onlookers.
However, the ears of Pelicans fans were given a treat night in and night out.
Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels are some of the best in the business, full stop. They combine legitimately insightful basketball knowledge with riveting stories and excitement over their hometown team into a full package that is a delight to listen to. Pelicans fans already knew that, but the rest of the country is now aware of the elite announcing duo in New Orleans.
Awful Announcing recently surveyed their fans asking "which NBA local broadcast teams are the best and worst across the league?"
This is the third iteration of the survey, and the top finish for Meyers and Daniels.
The Pelicans team ended up third in this year's rankings, only behind the Knicks (Mike Breen and Clyde Drexler) and the Nets (Ian Eagle, Ryan Ruocco, Noah Eagle, Sarah Kustok, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter). Those two star-studded casts have a permanent seat at the top of the table, but it's nice to see Meyers and Daniels sparring with the big dogs.
David Griffin has promised changed in New Orleans, and rightfully so. The on-court product needs to be revamped for the team to enter the upper echelon of the NBA, but the announcing duo needs no change. Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels are two of the best in the game and a pair that Pelicans fans should never take for granted.