While the Denver Nuggets are standing out as a strong team in the Western Conference and possibly the entire NBA, there’s a lot of competitiveness and depth elsewhere in the West.
One team that’s gaining attention is the New Orleans Pelicans, who have been improving over the past few years. They’ve been touted as potential championship contenders, but Shaquille O’Neal shared on “NBA on TNT” that he doesn’t see them making a deep playoff run this year.
Are the Pelicans a legit contender? 🏆@SHAQ: “I don’t see them beating the Clippers, OKC, Minnesota, or Denver. They’re on the come up but you just have to keep them where they are.” pic.twitter.com/G9M07lxFQm
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 11, 2024
Despite their talent, including Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have struggled with injuries. This season, however, they’ve been relatively healthy, which has been crucial, especially for Williamson.
Although the Pelicans have shown promise and improved defensively, they’ve had difficulty defeating top teams like the Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Additionally, the team lacks a true point guard, with coach Willie Green relying on McCollum to fill the role. However, McCollum is more suited as a shooting guard.
Since the franchise relocated to New Orleans in 2002, it has only won two playoff series and made the playoffs once, with Williamson and Ingram leading the team.
The Pelicans will need to make more roster adjustments and additions to become serious playoff contenders and vie for the championship.
