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Playoff Picture: New Orleans Pelicans

By Luke Duffy

Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) stands on the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) stands on the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scramble for a loose ball during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scramble for a loose ball during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential X-Factor

Tyreke Evans

You could make the argument that Gordon could go in here. Before injury he looked like a guy who could be an All-Star for consecutive seasons in this league. He’s slowly bringing himself back to relevancy, but he can’t be depended on to carry a team’s offense again just yet. Evans on the other hand, has quietly rebuilt his confidence after falling off a cliff career wise in 2011.

Remember, this is still the guy who did this before.

He does some of the things on the court that have gone out of fashion somewhat in the league, long two pointers and taking ill-advised contested shots come to mind. But he’s learned how to adapt his game to have a bigger impact for this team.

Getting out of Sacramento, where he was seen as the guy who could turn their fortunes around (that dubious honor belongs to DeMarcus Cousins now) helped his cause.

Working on his three-point shot was another factor that has helped him bounce back to become the second option on a playoff team. Last season he shot a horrific 22 percent from downtown. This year, although still not an ideal figure, he’s up to nearly 31 percent and it’s a shot that will continue to fall on a more regular basis if he can work on it this summer.

He’s a big guy for a guard, and so can fill in as a forward in some small ball lineups. That versatility wasn’t always used correctly, but it’s allowing him to have a greater impact for this team. He’s always been able to score, and his 16.6 points per game is the most since his second year in the league.

Clearly then this guy is finding his feet in the NBA again, and will have his moments for this Pelicans team in the playoffs.

Next: They're Just Happy To Be Here

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