New Orleans Pelicans: 5 Reasons To Stay Optimistic

Nov 18, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) talks to guard Ish Smith (4) during a timeout from action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) gestures in the second half of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ryan Anderson On A Tear

The team’s 2-11 record is obviously the only story line worth knowing when it comes to the Pelicans, but lost in all the turmoil has been Ryan Anderson‘s solid play.

Through the first 13 games, Anderson is averaging 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He’s shooting 47.5 percent from the floor, 37.7 percent from three-point range and has reached double figures in all but two games this year. He’s been on a tear over the last week, averaging 25.0 points and 6.3 rebounds on .541/.433/.875 shooting splits in his last four games.

Alvin Gentry: "Ryan Anderson is probably playing as well as anybody in the league right now." Ryno 30, 30 and 24 pts last 3 games
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) November 21, 2015

That stretch includes back-to-back 30-point performances, and though his defense leaves something to be desired, it’s been good to see Anderson properly utilized under Gentry instead of inexplicably stuck on the bench for too long.

Anderson is currently posting the best numbers of his career — aside from 2013-14, when he averaged 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game but was only able to suit up for 22 games. Though a Sixth Man of the Year Award would hardly make anyone feel better about missing the postseason, Anderson staying healthy and playing the best basketball of his career is at least worth mentioning.

Next: No. 3

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