The New Orleans Pelicans might've finished at 36-46 this season, but they fought their way into the postseason via the Play-In Tournament and gave the Phoenix Suns a serious run for their money in the first round. The most impressive part is they did it all without franchise star Zion Williamson, who didn't play the entire campaign due to a foot injury.

Well, if you're asking Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado, he believes once Zion returns, it's time to consider New Orleans a legitimate contender. Via ClutchPoints:

“When we get him back, we won't just be a playoff contending team, we'll be a championship team. I really think that.. We got young cats that are ready to go at it.”

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Honestly, he's not wrong. The Pelicans are legitimately a good team. Brandon Ingram looked like a superstar in the Suns series, while CJ McCollum made his presence immediately felt upon his arrival at the trade deadline from the Portland Trail Blazers. Alvarado, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones are all young players who can shoot it and play stout defense. Then down low, Jonas Valanciunas is a seasoned veteran. Add in Zion, who averaged 25 points and seven rebounds when healthy and the Pelicans are a force to be reckoned with in the West.

Better times are ahead in NOLA. That's as long as Zion Williamson comes back healthy.