Ranking the 10 championship-less NBA teams by closeness to title

The New Orleans Pelicans have a way of drafting or acquiring superstars, then losing them before they can ever help the franchise take the next step. Rumors about Zion Williamson’s future in the Big Easy suggest that could be happening again.

When New Orleans drafted Williamson with the first overall pick, the sky appeared to be the limit for the Pelicans. While the fit with Brandon Ingram had the potential to be awkward, those were two legitimate stars for the franchise to build around.

Williamson has nearly been as good as advertised when he takes the court. That has proven to be a big caveat, however, as Williamson can’t seem to stay healthy and the Pelicans can’t be a perennial playoff contender without him.

Beyond Williamson and Ingram, the core is young, solid, and under team control for the next couple of years. Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado make for an interesting supporting cast. CJ McCollum also helps now, though probably not in the long run.

Because of salary cap constraints, the Pelicans are destined for a quiet summer – unless they break it down and trade Williamson. Otherwise, New Orleans seems like a team trapped between mediocrity and true contention. A healthier season from Williamson can immediately raise the ceiling.

The Pelicans held the 14th pick in the draft, another opportunity to improve this team and add to the core. They drafted Jordan Hawkins out of UConn, one of the best shooters on the board.