NBA: 5 Possible Surprise Teams in 2014-15

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Oct 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) talks with guard Tyreke Evans (1) and guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 120-86. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New Orleans Pelicans

Of course, ranking the Pelicans this high has a lot to do with one man, Anthony Davis. He’s the best player on the team and should be one of the best players in the league this season.

The biggest problem with the Pelicans last season was that their team was injured all of last season. Eric Gordon hasn’t been healthy since he arrived in New Orleans and only played in 64 games last season. Ryan Anderson, the Pelicans’ best shooter, played in 22 games last season. Jrue Holiday only played in 34 games. Davis even missed 17 games.

If all of those guys were able to stay healthy, there’s no reason why that team can’t win 48 games. Throw Omer Asik into the mix, who can defend any big man in the league, and New Orleans might have an outside chance at the 8-seed. It’s, of course, going to be a challenge in the West, but there’s no glaring reason why the Pelicans can’t put it all together like the Suns did last season.

The Pelicans could easily surprise us all in 2014-15, but it all comes down to their health.

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