The New Orleans Pelicans have a good foundation to build on as they head into the 2022-23 NBA season. New Orleans made it through two play-in games to earn their first playoff berth since the 2017-18 season.

What made this playoff appearance more impressive is they did it with star Zion Williamson out the whole season. A trade at the deadline for star guard CJ McCollum certainly jolted the run, as he brought experience and leadership to the young group. Brandon Ingram also solidified himself as star with an outstanding postseason performance. Ingram averaged 27 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the six games against the Phoenix Suns in the first round. He shot 47.5 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from behind the arc.

The Pelicans have a good young roster, and Williamson's return will make them a threat to other teams in the Western Conference. However, they still have room to improve if they want to compete for the title.

With that said, here are the two biggest needs New Orleans must still address to become a 2023 NBA Finals contender.

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Pelicans Biggest Needs

2. Add another wing

The NBA is filled with talented guards and forwards, which has made the wing position crucial. In previous eras, the center position was the most important, but that has changed into wings. The Pelicans have a good starting lineup but could use another wing off the bench.

Herb Jones excelled in this role last season as a rookie but ended up becoming a starter. Jones averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. If New Orleans keeps him in the starting lineup with Zion Williamson returning, the need for a backup wing becomes even more vital. The Pelicans will be facing great offensive scorers at guard and forward in the postseason, like Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and many others.

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To contend with teams that have stars like that, having defensive wings that can limit them would be highly beneficial.

1. Acquire a 6th man

The most important thing for the Pelicans to try to add is a 6th man. While the starting lineup is elite, the bench could use a primary scorer. Devonte Graham could take on that role, but his efficiency has not been great.

Last season, Graham averaged 11.9 points and 4.2 assists, spending 63 of his 76 regular season games as a starter. These numbers are solid, but he only shot 36.3 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from downtown.

Acquiring a 6th man that can be a reliable scorer at a better efficiency would help the Pelicans become a contender. Malik Beasley could be a potential target as the Utah Jazz look to be rebuilding their roster for the future. If New Orleans can get a quality sixth man, it will help them prepare for a title run.

While these moves will help, the most important thing for the Pelicans is staying healthy. Williamson is a very talented player, and hard for defenses to stop when he is on the floor. When he last played in the 2020-21 season, he earned his first All-Star nod and had a phenomenal season. He averaged 27 points per game, along with 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Williamson shot 61.1 percent from the field, being a very efficient scorer and dominant in getting into the paint.

If Zion Williamson is healthy and the Pelicans make these moves to improve their depth, they could contend for a title this season.