I've been following the New Orleans Pelicans' journey this season with particular interest, partly because their story reminds me of something I once heard from a basketball coach who played internationally. He mentioned how his teammate kept telling him for years about the importance of building chemistry, much like what we're seeing unfold with the Pelicans' current roster. Actually, matagal na niya akong sinasabihan—he'd been telling me for a long time—about how trust between players doesn't develop overnight but through shared experiences, both on and off the court. That phrase sticks with me because it captures the Pelicans' gradual evolution this year, where early struggles have given way to a cohesive unit that's turning heads across the league.
When I look at their roster, it's impossible not to get excited about the talent they've assembled. Zion Williamson, when healthy, is putting up numbers that border on historic—he's averaging around 26 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting over 60% from the field, which is just absurd efficiency for someone his size. Combine that with Brandon Ingram's smooth mid-range game and CJ McCollum's veteran leadership, and you have what I believe is one of the most balanced starting lineups in the Western Conference. What really impresses me though is their depth; players like Jonas Valančiūnas providing consistent double-doubles and Herb Jones emerging as a defensive stopper make this team dangerous in ways they haven't been in previous seasons. I've watched nearly every Pelicans game this year, and there's a different energy about this group—they play with a confidence that suggests they know they belong among the league's elite.
The Western Conference is absolutely stacked this year, which makes their potential playoff run all the more intriguing. Currently sitting around the 5th or 6th seed with approximately 45 wins, they're positioned to avoid the play-in tournament, which I think is crucial for their postseason aspirations. Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I've seen how the grind of the play-in can exhaust teams before the real playoffs even begin. The Pelicans match up surprisingly well against top contenders like Denver and Minnesota, with the size to battle in the paint and the perimeter defense to disrupt three-point heavy offenses. Their 115-110 victory against the Nuggets last month demonstrated exactly what they're capable of when everything clicks—Zion dominated inside while their role players hit timely threes.
Health remains the biggest question mark, and I'll be honest—it's what makes me most nervous about their championship prospects. Zion has missed significant time throughout his career, and while he's been relatively healthy this season, the playoffs are a different beast entirely. The intensity ramps up, and we've seen star players wear down during extended postseason runs. If the Pelicans can keep their core healthy—and that's a big if—I genuinely believe they have the pieces to make a conference finals appearance. Their defensive rating has improved to about 110.5 points per 100 possessions, placing them in the top 10 league-wide, which is exactly the kind of foundation you need for playoff success.
What really sets this team apart in my view is their chemistry, which brings me back to that initial insight about building relationships over time. The Pelicans have quietly developed one of the most connected locker rooms in the NBA, with players who genuinely seem to enjoy competing together. I've noticed how they celebrate each other's successes on the court—the bench reactions to big plays are some of the most enthusiastic I've seen all season. This intangible quality often separates good teams from great ones in the playoffs, where trust in crucial moments can determine whether you advance or go home.
The coaching staff deserves significant credit for putting players in positions to succeed. Willie Green has implemented systems that maximize Zion's unique talents while maintaining defensive integrity, something previous Pelicans regimes struggled with. Their offensive sets create quality looks from beyond the arc—they're shooting about 37% from three as a team—while still leveraging their interior advantages. Having studied numerous playoff teams throughout the years, I appreciate how Green has balanced offensive creativity with defensive discipline, a combination that typically translates well to postseason basketball.
Looking ahead to potential playoff matchups, I'm particularly intrigued by how they might fare against Phoenix or the LA Clippers. Both teams present challenges with their superstar power, but the Pelicans have the defensive versatility to throw multiple looks at players like Kevin Durant and Paul George. Their late-game execution has improved dramatically since the beginning of the season—they're winning close to 60% of games decided by five points or fewer compared to just 45% last year. That growth in clutch situations tells me this team is learning how to win when it matters most.
Ultimately, I'm cautiously optimistic about their chances. The Pelicans have all the ingredients for a deep playoff run: superstar talent, defensive identity, coaching stability, and growing chemistry. While they might not be favorites to come out of the West, they're exactly the kind of team that could surprise people and make a conference finals appearance. The NBA playoffs have always rewarded teams that peak at the right time, and something about New Orleans feels different this year. They've quietly built something special, and if they can maintain their health and continue playing with the confidence they've shown recently, I wouldn't want to face them in a seven-game series.
