After a season where so many things went wrong, the New Orleans Pelicans are in the NBA playoffs. The midseason acquisition of CJ McCollum elevated the team and put them in a spot to make the postseason. With two wins in the Play-In tournament, they're in.

McCollum touted his eight-year postseason streak upon his trade to New Orleans, which was 10 games under .500 when they acquired the Portland Trail Blazers star. He said that he will be extending his streak with the Pelicans. What was once a very hot take has now become a certified fact.

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McCollum called his shot with a Pelicans team that started the season 1-12 and looked nothing like a playoff team. Their massive turnaround, which they accomplished without Zion Williamson, brings some much-needed legitimacy to a team without many other positives to previously speak of.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green integrated McCollum into the team seamlessly. The supporting cast of Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas and Herb Jones have all played their parts very well. Snapping their three-year playoff drought after completely revamping the roster is a huge step in the right direction.

The Phoenix Suns await McCollum and the Pelicans in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Suns have a very deep and talented roster, so it's likely that New Orleans' season ends against them. Even if they get swept, they should walk away from this season feeling good. If Williamson can heal and mesh with McCollum, the playoffs may be seeing the Pels more often.