The New Orleans Pelicans 17th season is nearly underway!

After the New Orleans Pelicans suffered a postseason loss to the Phoenix Suns to end their season last year, they look to come back with a vengeance this season.

The Pelicans have a lot to look forward to with their former No. 1 overall draft pick, Zion Williamson, coming back after missing all of last season due to a foot injury.

Barstool’s Matt Fitzgerald mentioned this about Williamson,” Zion has put himself in the best possible position to maximize his untapped/uncapped potential.”

Saint Paul’s senior, Sam Gold, states, “The return of Zion Williamson will take the Pelicans from a fringe playoff contender to a top 4 seed in the west.”

The Pels also have a lot of great players other than their standout big man, Zion Williamson. These players include former All-Star Brandon Ingram, veteran guard CJ McCollum, 2nd-year defensive stud Herb Jones, and the pesky small guard Jose Alvarado.

In addition, the team is also returning everyone from last year, while drafting Dyson Daniels with the 8th pick, EJ Liddell with the 41st pick, and Karlo Matkovic with the 52nd pick.

The Pels also have a very trustworthy and intelligent coach in Willie Green, who the players clearly trust, along with intelligent assistant coaches such as Casey Hill, Fred Vinson, and Teresa Weatherspoon. Owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Trajan Langdon have done well to create this outstanding roster and coaching staff.

Saint Paul’s junior, Samuel Drez, noted that the Pelicans were a far better team after New Orleans traded for CJ McCollum during the middle of last season. “Ever since CJ came to this team, they looked like Finals contenders. With Zion coming back from an injury, I have high hopes.”

Especially considering the Pelicans made the postseason last season without Zion Williamson, all of this makes the Pelicans an immediate playoff contender this year, and maybe more.

Bold Prediction: I predict the Pelicans will finish 5th in the Western Conference with their second best season in franchise history.