Ranking the Southwest Division: Summer Edition
By Jalen Brown
5. New Orleans Pelicans
Mar 22, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
Anthony Davis(23) reacts with teammates guard
Anthony Morrow(3) and center
Alexis Ajinca(42) after scoring against the Miami Heat during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
It might seem obvious to put the Pelicans in the five spot, but they might not be there for very long.
The Pelicans have Anthony Davis, who is turning into a scary good player. He’s going to be a dominant force for years to come if he can stay healthy. Actually, the Pelicans entire issue last season was health. Both Jrue Holiday and Eric Gordon were sidelined for most of the season, which took away arguably the two most important players on the team not named Anthony Davis. Tyreke Evans has been a question mark ever since his post-rookie season decline, but he did very well once put into the starting lineup.
If this Pelicans team can stay healthy then they could be a threat in the West sooner rather than later. They might be ranked number five now, but they could surge up the list at any time.