I remember watching the New Orleans Pelicans last season and thinking—this team is just one piece away from being truly dangerous. When you look at their roster construction and recent moves, it's hard not to get excited about their potential. The Pelicans have quietly assembled one of the most intriguing young cores in the league, and with Zion Williamson finally healthy, they're starting to turn heads across the NBA landscape. But the question remains—can this group actually evolve into legitimate championship contenders?
Let me break down what I'm seeing here. First, there's the Zion factor. When he's on the court, the Pelicans' offensive rating jumps to 118.7, which would rank among the top three in the league if maintained over a full season. That's not just good—that's elite territory. I've watched nearly every game he's played since his return, and what strikes me isn't just his athleticism but his basketball IQ. He's making reads I didn't see from him during his first two seasons. The way he draws double teams and finds open shooters reminds me of a young LeBron in terms of defensive attention, though their games are obviously different.
The supporting cast deserves more credit than they're getting. Brandon Ingram has developed into a legitimate All-Star, averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting 48% from the field. CJ McCollum provides the veteran presence this young team desperately needs—I've always believed that every contender needs that steady hand who's been through playoff battles. What's interesting is how this reminds me of something I observed in college basketball circles. There's a parallel here to what we've seen in the UAAP, where players develop through sustained systems. While the level of competition differs, the principle remains—continuity matters. Teams that grow together often outperform collections of talent.
Defensively, the Pelicans have made significant strides. They've improved from 18th in defensive rating two seasons ago to 9th this year. Herb Jones might be the best perimeter defender nobody talks about—I'd put him in the same conversation as Mikal Bridges, though Bridges gets more national attention. Larry Nance Jr. provides versatile big man defense that's crucial in today's switch-heavy NBA. When I watch them against elite offenses, they don't look out of place anymore. That's the difference between a playoff team and a contender—can you get stops when it matters against the league's best?
The Western Conference presents both an opportunity and a challenge. With Golden State and Phoenix aging, and teams like Memphis still developing, there's a potential opening. But let's be real—Denver isn't going anywhere, Sacramento has emerged, and OKC is building something special. The Pelicans' path requires navigating this gauntlet, which brings me to my main concern: playoff experience. This core has only one playoff series win together. Championship teams typically need that trial by fire. I remember thinking the same about the Bucks before they broke through, but it took them several postseason disappointments to learn how to win.
What fascinates me about New Orleans' situation is their asset flexibility. They have all their future first-round picks plus additional picks from the Lakers. In today's NBA, that's currency. If a star becomes available—and one always does—they can put together a competitive package. I'd personally love to see them add another three-point shooter. They rank 14th in three-point percentage at 36.2%, but in the playoffs, you need multiple snipers to space the floor properly.
The coaching situation deserves mention. Willie Green has done an outstanding job developing this group's identity. I've followed his career since his playing days, and his ability to connect with players while implementing strategic schemes is impressive. His playoff adjustments against Phoenix two seasons ago showed he can coach at the highest level. Still, I wonder about his offensive creativity in half-court sets during crunch time—that's where championship coaches truly earn their money.
Looking at the financial side, the Pelicans have managed their cap reasonably well. They're projected to be about $12 million over the luxury tax next season, which shows ownership's willingness to spend. However, to become true contenders, they might need to dive deeper into tax territory. The new CBA makes that more punishing, but championship windows don't stay open forever.
My take? The Pelicans are closer than most people think, but they're not there yet. I'd put them in that second tier of contenders—teams that could make a surprise run if things break right, but not the favorites. They need another season of growth together, plus one more reliable two-way player. If Zion stays healthy—and that's always the big question—I could see them making the Conference Finals next year. Beyond that? The championship conversation becomes realistic. What I love about this team is their organic development. They didn't just buy a superteam—they built something authentic. In today's player movement era, that approach feels refreshing. The Pelicans might not win the championship next season, but they're on the right trajectory, and in the NBA, that's sometimes more important than immediate results.
