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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Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) against the Golden State Warriors during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tyreke Evans Returning Soon

Ish Smith has been great, but the news that Tyreke Evans could return as early as this week is monumental for a team that also got Omer Asik back recently. While the Pelicans have dug themselves into quite a hole already, the return of ‘Reke would give them back their best primary playmaker, a guy who averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game last season.

Evans hasn’t been able to develop into the superstar most were expecting after he posted a 20-6-5 stat line in his very first NBA season, but he’s become intrinsic to the Pelicans’ success over the last year, especially with Holiday’s health being so unreliable.

Tyreke Evans definitely looks like he will be ready by next week, the burst off the dribble is back
— John Reid (@JohnReid64) November 21, 2015

We know that this injury-battered version of the Pelicans is no good, and we know that the return of Asik has helped them get a little bit better.

But what we don’t know is how good New Orleans is capable of being with a healthy Tyreke Evans, and as the Pelicans look to build on the momentum from their big win over the Spurs, his return could be another galvanizing force to a team that desperately needs one.

Next: No. 1

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