New Orleans Pelicans Playoff Preview

[jonathanlambert33]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/4/16/8402415/new-orleans-pelicans-preview-nba-playoffs-2015

The New Orleans Pelicans achieved their goal, even if they didn't do it in the way many outsiders wanted. Rather than keep their powder dry during Anthony Davis' formative years, the Pelicans made big moves to build a good team around him right away. Goodbye, draft picks and cap flexibility. Hello, Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, Omer Asik and others.

But it's worked, at least for now. Yes, the Pelicans benefited from Oklahoma City's health failings, but they overcame a barrage of injuries of their own to reach the playoffs on the final night of the season. A superhuman season from Davis got them here, but so did Evans' improved floor game, Asik's stability, Eric Gordon's mini-bounce back and the shrewd acquisitions of Quincy Pondexter, Dante Cunningham and Norris Cole on the cheap. This is far more than just a one-man team. Heck, it would have qualified more easily if not for head-scratching losses to teams like the Knicks, 76ers and Magic.

The Pelicans don't defend well enough to make a deep playoff run in West, but with Davis leading the way, they'll be a fun show in the first round. We can worry about whether they've rebuilt the right way another time.

 

[CameronCrazy06]

Pain. Lots of pain.