Over the last few years, the New Orleans Pelicans have added a lot of talented, drafting Anthony Davis and trading for Ryan Anderson, Jrue Holiday and Omer Asik. The Pelicans were hopeful adding Holiday would get them into the postseason but both Holiday and Anderson went for the season last year and the Pelicans were once again on the outside looking in.
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Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders believes the Pelicans will take a leap this year.
"Look out for the Pelicans taking a leap this year. I know I’ve been pushing the Anthony Davis train via Twitter, but I genuinely believe he steps fully into stardom in year three. I think they could win 45+ if healthy. Sooner or later, Orlando is going to piece together all of those young athletes and turn that group into something nice. Offense (shooting in particular) may be a challenge while the young players continue to transition and develop at this level, but that’s a group that should be able to defend, pressure and will look to push tempo early and often."
If the Pelicans get Holiday and Anderson back healthy combined with the continued development of Davis and the addition of Asik, they could contend for a playoff spot. Of course, you may have to win 50 games to get in in the Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns posted a record of 48-34 last season and missed out on the postseason so obviously it will be quite a challenge for the Pelicans.
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