Fansided

5 non-playoff teams having a strong finish to the 2016-17 NBA season

ByKareem Gantt|
Feb 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 19, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 123-109. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 123-109. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. New Orleans Pelicans

OK, the Pelicans ranking comes with a caveat.

Actually, two caveats.

First, the Pelicans front office has to get players that will fit in well with the potential two-headed beast in the frontcourt known as Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Second, Cousins has to stay in New Orleans and can’t stunt the growth of Davis or make him so mad that he won’t re-sign with New Orleans after next season.

If the Pelicans can get those two straight, this squad will be one of the scariest teams to play against in 2017-18, and that. They have two of the 15 best players in the NBA and a frontcourt tandem that no one has the size to deal with. Figuring it what they need around them is key.

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