HOOPSAHOLIC

This the second season that the NBA team out of New Orleans will be called the Pelicans, and don't be surprised to see them make their first playoff appearance since they traded Chris Paul. Head coach Monty Williams has a solid squad to work with and I project them to be the eighth seed in the West, just barely making it to the postseason.

The Pelicans will be led by potential MVP candidate Anthony Davis. The former number one overall pick is entering his third season in the league after averaging 21 points and ten rebounds per game last year. Davis brings so much to the table. His length and athleticism is virtually unmatchable by opposing defenders, and he's one of the best shot blockers in the league. Players such as Kevin Durant have already tagged Davis as the "next superstar" in the NBA and I think KD is right on target with his statement. If the Pelicans do make the playoffs, don't be surprised to see Davis reaping the benefits with postseason awards. 

The Pelicans will also have former all-star Jrue Holiday running the point this season, and if he can stay healthy I expect another all-star selection this season. Last year Holiday averaged 14 points and eight assists with an injury riddled team around him. If his role players can stay healthy and consistent then Holiday will shine as the floor general on a really good team. He may not be as good as the guy he's replacing at that position (CP3), but he's one heck of an alternative.  

The addition of Omer Asik in the offseason will go down as one of the more under-rated acquisitions of the summer. After wasting away behind Dwight Howard in Houston last season, I think people forgot what Asik is capable of. He's a double-double guy that has good size at the center position. He will fill in nicely in Monty Williams system in New Orleans and you can expect him to get back to his double-double ways since he's the number one center once again. 

The wing positions for the Pelicans will be the main thing to keep an eye on. Eric Gordon was acquired in the deal for CP3 and he's yet to really pan out after signing a max contract. He's been bothered by injuries throughout his time in New Orleans, but if he can stay healthy he's definitely a playmaker that can make a difference. After coming off the bench last season, Monty Williams has said Tyreke Evans will most likely start at the small forward position. Evans will be an undersized forward, but his athleticism will cause problems for bigger defenders. Last year Evans averaged 14.5 points per game to go along with five rebounds and five assists. 

The Pelicans will have a few scoring threats coming off of the bench. Ryan Anderson will be returning from a devastating injury last season, and we all know that he can fill it up on any given night. New Orleans also signed Jimmer Fredete in the offseason, even though he's yet to pan out as a pro player. At BYU he could hit a shot from anywhere, so we know he can score. The question is if he'll ever be able to learn how defend at the professional level. Then there's Austin Rivers, who also has had a slow start to his career. Last season he averaged eight points, but he must improve on that if he wants to find any minutes on this much improved team.