While the Denver Nuggets seem to clearly be the best team in the Western Conference and maybe the entire NBA, there is lots of depth and parity elsewhere in the West.
One team that could be a threat is the New Orleans Pelicans, who have been on the rise for a few years.
Many have loved their potential and even called them potential championship contenders, but Shaquille O’Neal said on the “NBA on TNT” that they won’t go far in the playoffs this year.
“I don’t see them beating the Clippers, OKC, Minnesota, or Denver. They’re on the come up but you just have to keep them where they are,” he said.
Are the Pelicans a legit contender? 🏆@SHAQ: “I don’t see them beating the Clippers, OKC, Minnesota, or Denver. They’re on the come up but you just have to keep them where they are.” pic.twitter.com/G9M07lxFQm
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 11, 2024
No one denies that New Orleans has talent, as they boast Brandon Ingram, one of the league’s best one-on-one players, sharpshooter CJ McCollum, and scoring ace Zion Williamson.
They have had trouble staying healthy, but this season, they have largely avoided injury, particularly Williamson, who had played in just 114 games in his previous four seasons.
While the Pelicans are potent and have even become one of the NBA’s better defensive teams, they have had trouble beating teams such as the Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers head-to-head.
They also don’t have a true point guard — head coach Willie Green has had McCollum masquerade as one, but he’s really a shooting guard who thrives playing off the ball next to a true floor general.
Ever since the franchise moved to New Orleans in 2002, it has won just two playoff series, and it has made the playoffs just once with Williamson and Ingram as its core.
More tweaks and moves will be needed to get it to go deep into the playoffs and seriously contend for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
NEXT:
Zion Williamson Is Expanding His Game Right Before The Playoffs