The New Orleans Pelicans are the most surprising team in the NBA this season.
They have the second-best record in the Western Conference sitting at 18-10 on the year.
But, what most people are wondering is if the Pelicans are this good or if their play is a fluke.
New Orleans has a good team, that should be in the playoffs, but they are not one of the best in the West.
Over the long haul, their inexperience will most likely force them to be one of the sixth-eighth seeds in the conference.
But, one player that can carry them to reach lofty goals is Zion Williamson.
The 22-year-old forward is having a fantastic season after missing all of last year.
He is averaging 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… ZION WILLIAMSON. pic.twitter.com/MhjV7Zpl0R
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 10, 2022
Also, he is shooting 60.3% from the field, Williamson is one of the best players around the rim in the NBA.
The only issue with Williamson is that he misses a lot of time due to injury.
His health will be the ultimate factor in whether or not the Pelicans can make the playoffs.
Solid Contributors
Some of the other players that have stepped up this year for the Pelicans are Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum.
Ingram is the team’s second-leading scorer with 20.8 points per game.
He is also shooting an incredible 46.7% from three.
McCollum has been their best playmaker this season, averaging 5.6 assists per game.
CJ McCollum crosses up Cam Payne and gets right by him for the lay-in 💨pic.twitter.com/Pubc4FMbjo
— Pelicans Nation (@PelsNationCP) December 11, 2022
Also, as a team, the Pelicans have played good defense.
They are only giving up 111.8 points per game, which ranks 10th best in the NBA.
Keep an eye on the Pelicans and their up-and-coming roster as they try to navigate a tough Western Conference.
