New Orleans Pelicans: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

3. Jordan Crawford emerges as legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate

Following a two-and-a-half year exile from the NBA, Jordan Crawford was keen to make up for lost time. Signing with the Pelicans in March after impressing in the G League, Crawford averaged 14.1 points and 3.0 assists while playing the final 19 games of the season.

After having to ply his trade in China for two years, Crawford was ultra-keen to return to the league and demonstrate just how far his game had developed during his time away, as he told Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype:

"“Over those two years when I was out of the NBA, I took a look in the mirror and held myself accountable for the things that were my fault. There were some things that were out of my control, but I knew I needed to fix the things that were my fault. “Now, I understand that you have to stay patient, wait for your time to come and just control what you can control. Once I grasped that, it allowed me to play better.”"

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Desperate for scoring following such a lean season, the Pelicans signed Crawford to a two-year deal after his initial 10-day contract expired last season. So with the clear backing of the franchise, Crawford appears set to have a legitimate breakout season as a 28-year-old:

"“To be honest, if I’m given the opportunity, I’m going to have a dominant season,” Crawford said excitedly. “I’m just being honest with you! I’m not trying to be cocky. Throughout my career, I’ve never been given a consistent role. When I’ve averaged double-figures, that was all me; I was doing it without having a consistent, clear-cut role and without having anybody believe in me. If I’m given the opportunity, there’s no telling what I could do. It’ll be very exciting. “If I’m given the opportunity, the Sixth Man of the Year award is a lock. I’ll say that. If I’m given the opportunity, go put your money now on me winning Sixth Man.”"

In his short time with the Pelicans, Crawford’s offensive abilities have already on display. In his brief time on the floor, the Pelicans were 12.2 points per 100 possessions better with Crawford on the floor.

Now with an additional offseason getting used to Gentry’s system, Crawford has every chance emerge as one of the elite sixth men in the league.