With the 2018-19 NBA season quickly approaching, we're rolling out 30 Teams in 30 Days. Between now and opening night, we're dedicating one day to each team in the league.
After looking at the five teams in the Northwest Division, we shift to the Southwest and begin with the New Orleans Pelicans.
2017-18 season record
48-34 (No. 6 seed in Western Conference)
Projected 2018-19 season record
45.5 wins (No. 7 seed in Western Conference)
Notable additions
Jahlil Okafor
Elfrid Payton
Julius Randle
Notable departures
DeMarcus Cousins
Rajon Rondo
3 key storylines
Anthony Davis' MVP candidacy
Anthony Davis racked up the accolades in 2017-18, earning a fifth-consecutive All-Star selection, All-NBA First-Team honours, All-Defensive First Team honours and finishing in the top three in voting for Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
Davis, who averaged a career-high 28.1 points per game in 2017-18, is in prime position to increase his offensive output to lead the league in scoring this upcoming season. If the Pelicans' All-Star big man propels his team to the postseason while getting big numbers, he has a strong case for MVP.
Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle's impact
While New Orleans lost Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins to free agency, the team was able to acquire young talents in Elfrid Payton (24) and Julius Randle (23).
Payton, one of the best value signings in the offseason, is coming off of a season in which he averaged 12.7 points and 6.2 assists over 63 games. Defensively, he and Jrue Holiday will be a nightmare for opposing backcourts. On the offensive end, Payton can use his playmaking ability to set up Davis, Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic.
Last season, Randle averaged a career-high 16.1 points to go along with 8.0 rebounds per game and recorded 28 double-doubles. New Orleans is at its best when playing at a high pace, which aligns perfectly with Randle's strength of playing in the open floor.
Which wing player will step up?
In a division that features James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, Luka Doncic and DeMar DeRozan, it will be imperative for a Pelicans wing player to answer the challenge of delivering on a nightly basis. Last year, 6-foot-4 E'Twaun Moore started all nine postseason games at small forward in addition to the majority of the regular season.
While Moore was effective, averaging 12.5 points per game in the regular season and 11.3 points in the postseason, his size often presented matchup problems for New Orleans. 6-foot-7 Solomon Hill, who missed 70 regular season games in 2017-18 with injury, Darius Miller, Summer League stud Trevon Bluiett and free agent acquisition Troy Williams will all be looked upon to fill the Pelicans void of an effective wing with size.
5 games to watch
Oct. 17 vs. Houston Rockets
New Orleans gets an early test in the form of an opening-night showdown with MVP James Harden and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. The Pelicans won just one of four games against the Rockets last season, and will look to get off to a good start in 2018.
Oct. 31 vs. Golden State Warriors
The Pelicans get their first crack at the defending champs two weeks into the regular season. Golden State eliminated New Orleans in five games in last year's conference semifinals, so the Pelicans likely have this date circled on their schedule.
Nov. 1 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Just one night after facing the team they eliminated, the Pelicans take on the team they swept in last year's first round. With this being a big game for the Trail Blazers, expect a highly contested early season matchup.
Dec. 21 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
While it wasn't via trade, the Pelicans and Lakers essentially swapped impact players with Randle joining New Orleans and Rajon Rondo signing with Los Angeles this offseason. It will be Randle's first time facing his former team and the Pelicans' first time meeting a LeBron-led Lakers team.
April 9 vs. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors' lone visit to New Orleans comes on the final night of the regular season. Former Pelicans centre DeMarcus Cousins should be fully recovered from his Achilles injury, though the potential of an already-clinched playoff spot means he might not suit up for this one.
If Cousins does play, however, the Smoothie King Center should have an electric crowd. More importantly, this game could have playoff implications for the Pelicans.