As I sit here watching the New Orleans Pelicans' recent game footage, I can't help but wonder - will this be the season they finally break through and secure a playoff spot? Having followed this team closely for years, I've seen promising rosters fall short time and again. But something feels different this year, and it's not just the usual preseason optimism talking.
The recent comments from veteran player Porter really struck me when he discussed team chemistry. "More than adjusting to Coach Yeng, it's going to be more of adjusting to my teammates," Porter noted in that interview that's been circulating everywhere. "Kasi matagal na ako kay Coach Yeng, naka-apat na taon din ako sa kanya dati. It's more of adjusting to my teammates talaga, Magka-amuyan." That last phrase - "magka-amuyan" - roughly translates to getting familiar with each other's scent, which is such a vivid way to describe building chemistry. It's not just about learning plays or defensive schemes, but developing that almost instinctual understanding of how your teammates move and think. I've always believed that intangible connection separates playoff teams from the rest of the pack.
Looking at their current roster construction, the Pelicans have what should be a playoff-caliber team on paper. Zion Williamson, when healthy, is arguably a top-15 player in this league - I'd personally rank him around 12th based on his two-way impact when he's at his best. Last season, he averaged 26.8 points on 61.5% shooting in his 48 games played, which are absolutely elite numbers. The problem has never been about having talent; it's been about getting that talent to mesh consistently. CJ McCollum brings that veteran presence they've needed, and Brandon Ingram has developed into a legitimate All-Star caliber wing. But watching them last season, there were too many moments where they looked like five individuals rather than a cohesive unit.
What gives me hope this season is the continuity in the coaching staff. Porter mentioned his familiarity with Coach Yeng, having worked with him for four years previously. That existing relationship could be crucial in establishing the team's identity early in the season. In my experience covering the NBA, teams with coaching stability tend to overcome rough patches more effectively. The Pelicans finished last season with a 42-40 record, just missing the play-in tournament by two games in my estimation. With the Western Conference being as competitive as ever - I count at least 11 teams with legitimate playoff aspirations - every game matters from opening night.
The defensive end is where I have the most concerns, if I'm being honest. Last season, they ranked 18th in defensive rating at 114.7 points allowed per 100 possessions. That simply won't cut it in the playoffs. They need better communication in pick-and-roll coverage and more consistent effort in transition defense. I noticed several games where they gave up 15+ fast break points, which often proved to be the difference in close contests. Jonas Valančiūnas provides solid rim protection, but he needs more help from the perimeter defenders.
Offensively, the potential is thrilling. A healthy Zion changes everything - the gravity he commands in the paint opens up so many opportunities for their shooters. Trey Murphy III shot 40.8% from three-point range last season, and I expect that number to improve with better looks. The key will be balancing the offensive touches between Zion, Ingram, and McCollum. There were stretches last season where the offense became stagnant with too much isolation basketball. They need more player movement and better ball rotation - what Coach Yeng calls "making the extra pass."
The Western Conference landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Denver remains the team to beat, Phoenix reloaded impressively, and Golden State can never be counted out. But I see vulnerabilities in teams like Minnesota and the Clippers that New Orleans could potentially exploit. The play-in tournament adds another pathway, but honestly, this team should be aiming for a top-6 seed rather than settling for the play-in. Their projected win total sits around 46.5 according to most sportsbooks, but I think they can surpass that if they stay relatively healthy.
Health remains the biggest wild card, as it often does with this team. Zion has played in just 114 of a possible 246 regular season games since being drafted. That's a concerning 46.3% availability rate that needs to improve dramatically. The medical and training staff implemented new recovery protocols during the offseason, including advanced load management strategies. If they can keep their core players on the court for 65+ games each, I like their chances much better.
The bench depth looks improved from last season. Jose Alvarado provides that sparkplug energy every good team needs, Larry Nance Jr. brings veteran versatility, and rookie Jordan Hawkins adds shooting depth. But I'm particularly excited about Herbert Jones' development - his defensive versatility could be the X-factor in close games against elite wings.
As the season approaches, my prediction is that they'll finish as the 7th seed with a 45-37 record. They'll likely go through the play-in tournament but ultimately secure a playoff spot. It won't be pretty at times, and there will be frustrating losses that make me question this prediction. But the pieces are there, and if Porter's emphasis on "magka-amuyan" translates to the court, we might finally see this talented group fulfill its potential. The journey begins October 24th against Memphis, and I'll be watching closely to see if this team can develop that chemistry that separates good teams from great ones.
