New Orleans Pelicans: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

The New Orleans Pelicans enter the upcoming 2018-19 NBA season with a few young players and veteran role players that could break out and have career years.

After a successful 2017-18 campaign that resulted in 48 wins and a trip to the Western Conference semifinals, the New Orleans Pelicans enter the upcoming 2018-19 season with a younger roster full of players with breakout potential.

After replacing Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins with Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle, the Pelicans added dynamic young talent that should thrive in the team’s up-tempo style of play. Additionally, Nikola Mirotic should continue to excel with the Pelicans after having a full offseason to adjust to the team’s new rotation and style of play.

While expectations are high for Anthony Davis, the Pelicans are a team full of young players and role players that could have breakout campaigns due to an role increase or better fit for their game. If the Pelicans hope to return to the playoffs this season, they will need one of the young players to truly break out and have a career year, as the Western Conference only got stronger in the offseason.

However, it’s very likely that New Orleans brought in just the right players to improve and thrive in the team’s fast pace, likely resulting in breakout seasons. Let’s take a look at three candidates who are suited to have career years in New Orleans.