Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
19 of 30
Next
New Orleans Pelicans
(Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the NBA’s most exciting teams.

Zion Williamson is a treat, and he’s going to produce right away. Jrue Holiday is an All-Star talent who was overlooked under AD’s reign. David Griffin has been adamant about Holiday — not Zion — emerging as the leader in NOLA.

As I’ve pointed out multiple times in this article, the West is no joke. The Pelicans are a young, inexperienced group without a true, bankable No. 1 star. Williamson could quickly assume that mantle, but even for rookies with historic upside, it’s safer to temper expectations.

Expect the Pelicans to pester teams all season. They’ll rank near the top of the league in pace, a specialty for Alvin Gentry. Lonzo Ball and Zion is a deadly transition combo, while Holiday’s in-between game will drive the halfcourt offense. J.J. Redick’s shooting is essential to making New Orleans’ odd-ball pieces fit.

Williamson, Ball, Holiday, Brandon Ingram — none are elite, or even league-average three-point shooters. Spacing is a real concern and could factor into New Orleans’ (projected) postseason miss. Redick is the one counter to those problems. His movement and timing, whether it’s jetting around screens or setting one for Zion, will help Gentry unclog the floor.

On defense, the Pelicans have tantalizing personnel. Holiday and Ball are potential All-Defense picks, while Zion’s ability to cover ground is unmatched. He has the girth to defend bigs, the quickness to stick with guards, and the hops to block 3-point attempts. Zion deserves his own label on defense. He’s not comparable to anyone else.

Derrick Favors will add much-needed veteran stability at the five spot. He was an important cog in Utah’s elite defense, but is even better as a full-time five. I’m confident the Pelicans will maximize the talent on the roster, but it’s a tad early to claim playoffs.

Final prediction: 41-41, Miss NBA Playoffs