The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to build on the best season of Anthony Davis’ career. To do so, they’ll need to take a few major steps forward in 2018-19.
Following a 48-win season and a playoff series victory in 2017-18, things are pointing in the right direction for the New Orleans Pelicans.
After losing DeMarcus Cousins to an Achilles tear in late January, the Pelicans actually played better as head coach Alvin Gentry opted to push the pace and largely surround franchise centerpiece Anthony Davis with shooters. That pace, combined with AD’s all-world defensive abilities, helped the Pels handle the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round — just the second playoff series the franchise has ever won.
With Cousins heading to the Golden State Warriors over the offseason, Davis will now have full control of a Pelicans team trying to capitalize on the magic it found in the spring.
The stakes are sky-high as well, with ESPN‘s report of Anthony Davis’s recent decision to fire his longtime agent Thad Foucher causing all kinds of worry about his future with the franchise among Pelicans fans.
To appease AD, New Orleans will have to continue to pile up the wins this year. With that in mind, here are three predictions for New Orleans’ 2018-19 season that are as bold (and rosy) as it gets.