New Orleans Pelicans

With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram playing at high-levels, the Pelicans definitely have a chance to be competitive in every game they play, but they do not really have much consistent talent outside of these guys. Lonzo Ball has been great this season and after deciding to keep him at the NBA trade deadline, the Pelicans definitely have a really steady young core to continue building with, but they may miss the playoffs this year. 

Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams have been very consistent offensive players for the Pels this season and while they have steady bench play with Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and rookie Kira Lewis Jr, the Pelicans likely do not have enough firepower to compete with some of the other playoff hopeful teams in the Western Conference.

Zion Williamson has been fantastic this year and started in the All-Star game for Team LeBron, but he, along with Brandon Ingram, cannot carry the Pelicans, especially in a loaded Western Conference with every team having at least one All-Star caliber player. 

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Adding that third, high-level talent is something the Pelicans have been looking to do and they did not do so at the NBA trade deadline this year, which could mean they will be picking in the lottery once again this year. While that is not all bad, especially since they could potentially end up getting another high-level, young talent, the Pelicans really want to make the playoffs and start building their playoff experience. 

After not making any big moves at the NBA trade deadline to “buy” talent, it seems like the Pelicans will have to wait to begin their playoff journey and continue building their young core with Zion and Ingram at the forefront of everything.