Around the NBA: Breaking down the Southwest Division

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

New Orleans Pelicans

My oh my is this team talented. Anthony Davis is one of the best forwards in the NBA, and this team is looking to make a move up the division ladder in the near future.

Tyreke Evans, Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson make up an already talented roster, but it seems as if they’re one key veteran away from turning the corner. At 22-21, New Orleans sits just three games behind Phoenix for 8th place in the Western Conference. Surprisingly, the Pelicans are 5-4 against the rest of the Southwest Division.  They are 16-11 against the west, but are 9-16 on the road. Slight improvements need to be made, but they’re almost ready to compete with the best.

New Orleans will stay steady at .500 for the remainder of the season, but I don’t think they have what it takes to make a playoff push this season.  The Pelicans are just one or two years away from turning the corner and becoming a contender in the Western Conference. New Orleans will once again finish fifth in the Southwest Division.