The New Orleans Pelicans were fortunate enough to make the cut for the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA campaign, but like the other 21 teams who have been invited to Disney World, coronavirus concerns remain.
Three Pelicans players tested positive for COVID-19 on June 23, but general manager David Griffin says that he expects everyone to be present when the season restarts next month, according to Mark Medina of USA TODAY Sports.
As for whether or not Griffin, a cancer survivor, will be in attendance? You bet he will:
“I’m not at all in a high risk area,” said the Pelicans GM, per Medina. “I’m not going to ask my players do anything I wouldn’t do.”
New Orleans is one of the most interesting “bubble teams.” When the season was suspended back in mid-March, the Pels were 28-36 and sat in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.
However, thanks to the insertion of Zion Williamson into the lineup in late January, the Pelicans have become more of a threat. Williamson joined an impressive young lineup that also included Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, not to mention seasoned veterans such as Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick.
While New Orleans is far from representing a legitimate title contender, there are some who like the club's chances of snagging the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
The Pelicans have made just two postseason appearances since 2012, so if Williamson is able to lead New Orleans to a playoff berth, it would certainly be a major step in the right direction for the franchise.
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