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NBA: Predictions For The Southwest Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

5. New Orleans Pelicans

2015-16 Record: 30-52 (Last in Southwest Division) 

2016-17 Record: 34-48 (Last in Southwest Division) 

Anthony Davis is starting to look like the next Kevin Garnett — in more ways than one.

Davis has essentially been a star since he landed in the league in 2012 and has dominated with his length and versatility, averaging 20.8 points, 9.7 boards and 2.4 blocks a game for his career.

Unfortunately, he’s stuck on a team that just can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to make any kind of significant progress. Not that they have enough talent around him to do so anyway.

Sure, he’s got a solid talent at point guard in Jrue Holiday, and the addition of prolific scoring rookie Buddy Hield should help alleviate some of the load for AD. However, they have a virtually non-existent supporting cast around their blossoming superstar.

While they finally cleared out some injury-prone players who were commanding massive contracts, they didn’t really make any moves to make themselves better.

Hield’s outside shooting and a healthy Jrue Holiday alongside a healthy Davis should be enough for the team to earn a couple more wins next season, but that might prove to be too perfect a storm to ask for in New Orleans.

Next: No. 4