NBA 2019-20: 3 Reasons why New Orleans Pelicans will make the playoffs next season

In recent years, the New Orleans Pelicans were defined by the presence of All-Star Anthony Davis. They were not seen as a powerhouse in the West and their playoff appearances of late show us why. Since 2010, the Pelicans have made the playoffs only 3 times and advanced to the second round only once out of these 3 times.

The franchise made headlines throughout last season as Davis requested a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the two teams did not come to an agreement. As the 2019 off-season began, they finally agreed to a deal which gave the Pelicans a fresh new look, filled with budding young stars to go into the next season.

With this new core along with their #1 draft pick in Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are thrust back into a position to fight for a playoff spot. Here are three reasons they will make the playoffs in the upcoming season

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#1 Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is the most hyped talent since LeBron James for a reason

What many people don't realize about Zion is that he is a once in a generation kind of player. There hasn't been this much hype surrounding a young player since LeBron James, and rightly so.

Zion is already NBA ready. He has had the body of an NBA player since he gained popularity in high school for his athletic dunks. Zion has the strength to battle with the best forwards in the league and the speed and athleticism to keep up with the guards in the league. He is yet to develop a lethal jump shot and consistency from the free-throw line. But the tools he has coming into his rookie season are tremendous.

With the departure of Anthony Davis, the Pelicans' frontcourt belongs to Zion, where he will continue to grow and better his game. As of now, the sky is the limit for Zion and we can expect to see him take huge strides while leading the Pelicans in the 2019-20 season.

#2 The elite defense of Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball

Jrue Holiday of the Pelicans

Among the many players and picks the Pelicans received in exchange for Anthony Davis, one of them was Lonzo Ball. Ball has had a tough time since coming into the NBA. He was criticized for not being able to shoot and injuries have benched him for the better halves of seasons. He has, however, proven himself as a willing and excellent passer.

Jrue Holiday has quietly become better and better and been putting up All-Star numbers. In the 2018-19 season, he averaged 21.2 points, 5 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. In addition to this, Holiday is able to hold his own on the defensive end of the floor, making him one of the better two-way players in the league.

With these two unselfish guards, the Pelicans will be able to effectively execute on offense, as Ball and Holiday make plays both for themselves and their teammates on the offensive end. They will also be a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end as they have both proven themselves to be elite defenders in the NBA.

#3 Young core

Josh Hart

Minus Kyle Kuzma, the Lakers have essentially shipped their entire young core that was talked about so much to the Pelicans. Through this, the Pelicans now have the depth that they have been lacking over the last couple of years.

Lonzo Ball can pass the ball and grab rebounds while occasionally putting up numbers on the board. Brandon Ingram is a scorer who has taken huge strides over the last couple of years and is slowly becoming what many thought he would when he was drafted. Josh Hart is a strong and scrappy role player who will hustle for every ball and can knock down the 3.

When you add Zion Williamson to this mix, the now Pelicans young core becomes very scary. Add to this some interior presence in the form of rookie Jaxson Hayes who is a robust rim protector and thrives in the post on offense. The Pels will play fast, run the floor, and will be a dominant force in the open court.

We can expect to see a lot of exciting plays from this team, but most importantly, we can expect production on both ends of the floor that will help them secure a playoff spot in the upcoming season.