Fansided

10 most dysfunctional NBA franchises

By John Buhler

Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call with the referee during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call with the referee during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis during the fourth quarter of a game against the Phoenix Suns at the Smoothie King Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis during the fourth quarter of a game against the Phoenix Suns at the Smoothie King Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans. 8. player. 69. . West. Southwest

Though the New Orleans Pelicans have an absolute superstar when he’s healthy in All-Star power forward Anthony Davis, the rest of the team and organization exhibits frequent dysfunctional tendencies.

While the Pelicans still feel aftermath of the grossly one-sided Chris Paul trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in terms of roster construction, general manager Dell Demps hasn’t exactly done a fine job in the last few years. Outside of Davis and soon-to-be free agent small forward Ryan Anderson, it’s hard to see a suitable eight-man rotation of NBA caliber players on this team.

Injuries have been a huge concern with the Pelicans the last few years, but it’s disturbing to not see a more than capable superstar like Davis be surrounded by anything remotely close to a solid supporting cast.

Could it have something to do with owner Tom Benson being 88 years old and that having some sort of trickle down effect? New Orleans did fire popular offensive-minded head coach Monty Williams days after leading the Pelicans to their first Western Conference Playoffs since the rebrand just last season.

Going with Alvin Gentry to improve the Pelicans’ lackluster defense when Tom Thibodeau was available was completely head scratching. Gentry is a great top assistant, but may not be cut out to be an NBA head coach. Phoenix fell apart a few years ago when he took over and New Orleans was actually worse defensively in 2015-16 after he replaced Williams at the helm.

Playing in the Western Conference and in the ultra-competitive Southwest Division makes New Orleans’ shortcomings a bit more glaring. However this is an NBA franchise that went all in on a rebrand that some still question, have had to replace its once frightening mascot with something less intimidating, and they play at the Smoothie King Center.

Without Davis, this team would be the worst club in the Western Conference and probably second in the NBA behind only a Philadelphia team that intentionally tanked. In 2015-16, there wasn’t a bigger disappointment in the West than the Pelicans. 2016-17 is a make or break year for the organization, but it just doesn’t seem all that promising.

Next: 7. Phoenix Suns

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