The NBA’s Western Conference is very competitive this season.
It’s impossible to predict what will happen come playoff time, with two young upstarts currently sitting atop the conference in the Timberwolves and Thunder, a pair of recent champions down fighting for a play-in spot in the Lakers and Warriors, two stacked veteran teams starting to figure things out and looking at potential four or five seeds in the Clippers and Suns, and of course the defending champion Denver Nuggets still looking as strong as ever.
One team that gets lost in the shuffle is the New Orleans Pelicans, who are currently the 5th seed at 37-25 and according to analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, are the sleeper team to watch out for in the West.
“The New Orleans Pelicans are my sleeper team in the Western Conference,” Perkins said.
"The New Orleans Pelicans are my sleeper team in the Western Conference..
This team doesn't get talked about enough and they have great depth" @KendrickPerkins #PMSLive https://t.co/YTvXHF2QIY pic.twitter.com/NdPRp7gb63
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 6, 2024
Perkins went on the Pat McAfee Show and highlighted the Pelicans’ incredible depth and noted that they aren’t being discussed enough within the fabric of the West.
The Pelicans have finally gotten a full healthy season from star forward Zion Williamson, who has recently taken big steps forward as a playmaker to help lead this team on a strong run after the All-Star break.
Williamson averaged 23.9 points and 6.5 assists in February and his Pelicans have won 11 of their last 15 games.
New Orleans has built an impressive roster around it’s two stars in Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and has the size and shooting that is necessary to win in the playoffs.
Since Zion isn’t the shiny new toy anymore, this team isn’t at the forefront quite like it was in years past, but keep an eye on them.
The Pelicans are quietly blossoming into a young and dangerous squad.
NEXT: Zion Williamson Makes His Thoughts Clear On Dunk Contest