Predicting the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2014-15 Win Total

By Nathan Grubel @The_Only_Grubes on October 23, 2014

Man, is that Anthony Davis kid good or what?

Davis sure put on a show in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and he will look to carry that performance over to the NBA regular season as he leads the New Orleans Pelicans into what could potentially be uncharted territory for this current iteration of the franchise, the playoffs.

Is the team around Davis talented? Yes, but not nearly as talented as him. Davis has all of the physical and mental tools to be a superstar in this league, as he is blessed with both the length and touch with the basketball, along with the skills of a guard in terms of handling the basketball and moving fluidly in transition. Davis is the complete package, and there is no telling just how high his ceiling is. If he starts knocking down three point shots with consistency, then he could be deemed unguardable rather quickly, as he is already a mismatch in the front court.

Other than Davis, there is talent on this team, but the problem is that the other players may not be able to mesh into a complete team. Guard Jrue Holiday and center Omer Asik are gifted players in their own rights, and will not struggle to perform under the bright lights, but the other two projected starters, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans, may not be fit to start on a playoff contending team, at least not together. Both players require the ball to be in their hands, and with Holiday and Davis already commanding a lot of touches, there may just not be enough of the basketball to go around between all four. Put that together with players on the bench who will want touches, including Ryan Anderson and Austin Rivers, and you have a team loaded with talent, but too many people who want to take shots.

The defense should be much improved with Davis and Asik dominating the front court and Holiday pressuring the other team’s primary ball handler. Defense on the wings may be hard to come by depending on who is set in the rotation, but three quality defenders in the starting lineup can usually mean good things overall.

It’s clear that the Pelicans and head coach Monty Williams have a lot to figure out in terms of sharing the ball on offense, but if a few trades can be pulled off, or if Williams can convince players to make some sacrifices, then this team could really be a pick to sneak into the playoffs. Unfortunately, no matter how good Davis may prove to be, the odds are stacked against this team, and I am not willing to bet on them getting in just yet. Next year may be a better pick depending on the moves made in the coming offseason. Regardless, the team should still be a lot of fun to watch, especially with Davis at the helm.

Projected Regular Season Record: 46-36

Nathan Grubel is a Memphis Grizzlies writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @The_Only_Grubes, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.