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The New Orleans Pelicans will be among the 22 teams partaking in the “bubble” games down in Orlando, Florida. The Big Easy franchise will be battling it out with the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs for the final playoff spot in the West.
It almost feels like the NBA did everything it could to include the Pelicans in the restart, which isn't that much of a surprise given New Orleans has 2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson on the squad.
Before the 2019-20 season was suspended in March, NBA TV ratings were down. Much of that has to do with the fact that the Pelicans had a bunch of nationally televised games earlier in the year and Williamson wasn't playing since he underwent knee surgery to begin his career.
Once Williamson made his NBA debut for the Pelicans, the team became must-see TV. Zion averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists and helped the team go 10-9 in the 19 games he appeared in.
With the “bubble” games scheduled to begin on July 30, here are three questions the Pelicans need to address.
3. How did the layoff affect Zion Williamson's surgically repaired knee?
Williamson was able to stay in shape and work on his game during the hiatus since he had a basketball hoop at his house. The Pelicans rookie came into the NBA a little overweight, so it's good to know that the lefty didn't gain even more weight while games were suspended.
However, Williamson is prone to getting hurt in Orlando. There is an increased risk of injury for players at Walt Disney World since they haven’t been able to play based on a three month-plus NBA shutdown and a shortened training camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Williamson may feel good once the games begin, but we have to see how his surgically repaired knee reacts to physical exertion once again.
2. Can Brandon Ingram continue his All-Star play?
Prior to games getting suspended, Brandon Ingram was the best player for the Pelicans. The swingman was putting up 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and 85.8 percent from the free-throw line.
Ingram will become a restricted free agent once the Pelicans offer him his qualifying offer in the offseason. It will be fascinating to see if the former Duke Blue Devil can continue his stellar play after such a long layoff. Ingram made his first All-Star team in 2019-20.
B.I. has to avoid putting pressure on himself due to his upcoming free agency. The talented youngster has already done enough to warrant a max contract extension from the Pelicans or another team.
1. Is it really safe to bring Alvin Gentry to Orlando?
Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry is 65-years-old. He could become seriously ill if he contracts COVID-19 in Orlando, which is why NBCA executive director Dave Fogel and president Rick Carlisle have concerns about guys like Gentry and Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni (69) going to Walt Disney World in the first place.
Look, odds are the Pelicans aren't going to win the 2020 title, with or without Gentry coaching on the sidelines. Since there are so many COVID-19 cases in Orlando still, New Orleans' higher-ups have to seriously think about leaving Gentry behind to ensure that his long term health is good.
