NBA Teams with Most to Prove: New Orleans Pelicans

By: Faisal Quyyumi, contributing intern (@_faisalquyyumi)

Similar to the Lakers situation, the New Orleans Pelicans have more too expect out of one individual rather than the team.

On July 9th, Anthony Davis signed the biggest contract in NBA history worth $145 million over five years. At only 22 years of age, Anthony Davis’s potential should terrify his opponents. This past season, Davis averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and led the league with 2.9 blocks per game. After winning the last game of the season, Davis helped the Pelicans clinch the 8th seed too make the playoffs over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He even put up more astounding numbers during the playoffs averaging 31.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game.

With talented guards and big men on the team who can help spread the floor, this opens up the post for Davis and gives him a much better chance to attack the basket. Even with a tough Western Conference, the Pelicans should be able to find stability and continuous playoff runs as long as everyone stays healthy. Davis seems to be the answer to the Pelicans long-term goals and the team might become a dark-horse candidate for the NBA Championship in a few years.

Photo: Pelicandebrief.com