Pelicans' New Season Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to begin their regular season play next week. Last season, they finished with a 21-61 record, ranking last in the Southwest Division.
Team Changes
The team has undergone some changes, with departures including G CJ McCollum, F-C Kelly Olynyk, and G Bruce Brown. New additions include F-C Kevon Looney, G Jordan Poole, F Saddiq Bey, G Jeremiah Fears, and F Derik Queen.
Coach and Odds
Coach Willie Green is entering his 5th season with a 148-180 record. The Pelicans' championship odds are 300-1, according to BetMGM.
Much will hinge on whether oft-injured star power forward Zion Williamson can consistently remain in the lineup.
Joe Dumars, the new executive vice president of basketball operations, has decided to double down on Williamson as the club's franchise player. The team's postseason hopes rely heavily on Williamson's ability to stay in the lineup, along with other key players like Herb Jones, who missed 62 games last season due to injuries.
Author's summary: Pelicans rely on Zion Williamson's health for postseason hopes.