The next 12 months could determine David Griffin’s legacy with the New Orleans Pelicans as Zion Williamson negotiates his future with the team and the organization scouts sites for a new arena.
First-year coach Willie Green will be given time to grow into the job but a third-year referendum is coming for the rest of the organization, especially for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jaxson Hayes. As the replacement to a polarizing former player, Devonte’ Graham will have to prove his worth immediately. Unsourced speculation articles regarding a Zion Williamson trade package to a major media market will persist until he is healthy and leading New Orleans to a top-6 playoff seed.
These Pelicans have been playful throughout the preseason, enjoying every moment together. Still, the Pelicans are highly suspected in NBA media circles to make one more big roster-altering trade to add top-end talent for a playoff push. They have to contract and draft assets to bring in an All-Star talent like Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard without losing a core piece of the playoff foundation.Brandon Ingram will be the barometer to gauge the pressure and progress on the team this season.
Only the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks will challenge for the division banner. Houston and San Antonio are long shots. New Orleans could make a surprise run at 45 to 50 wins and hang a division-title banner to open next season.Brandon Ingram makes the leap from end-of-the-bench All-Star to bona fide star in the all-NBA team conversations. Zion Williamson starts 70-plus games and shows his expanded midrange game, and the Pelicans at least win a first-round playoff series.
I have covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, I’ve reached the big leagues by writing about theI have covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, I’ve reached the big leagues by writing about the New Orleans Pelicans. My gumbo stirring form matches my elbow jumper celebration. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New York Real Estate Sees Luxury Market Hit New HighsBroadway is back and so is New York’s residential real estate market. The sector (those properties priced at $4 million-plus) is on pace for a record 2021 with the number of signed contracts doubli…
Read more »
New Zealand reports 55 new local COVID-19 casesNew Zealand on Wednesday reported 55 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, the majority in the country's largest city of Auckland, up from 43 a day earlier.
Read more »
The world just got a new richest sports team — and a scandal befitting its new ownersThe Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United soccer club has prompted concerns the kingdom is using the team for 'sportswashing.'
Read more »
Chris Bosh’s longtime Miami Beach mansion gets a new look and new price: $42 millionMonths after buying Chris Bosh's Miami mansion for $14.43 million, development company AquaBlue Group is looking to flip it for $42 million.
Read more »
K-Pop Group Twice On Breaking In America: It’s ‘A New Start, A New Beginning, And A New Challenge’Twice's new single 'The Feels' hits the Hot 100 this week, bringing the band to the chart for the first time.
Read more »