The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in a slump as they have lost their previous five games. By doing so, the Pelicans have become just the third team in NBA history to win their first four games before losing the next five.
The Pelicans are now standing on a 4-5 win-loss card. Three of their five consecutive defeats were without superstar Anthony Davis, who was sidelined due to an elbow injury. Davis returned to the floor Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs, but New Orleans lost to the home team, 109-95.
After a surprising second-round run in the playoffs last season, the Pelicans lost DeMarcus Cousins to free agency. The team filled the hole Cousins left with the signings of combo forward Julius Randle and young center Jahlil Okafor.
Randle has been efficiently good this season, posting averages of 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in just 23 minutes per game of play. On the other hand, Okafor is yet to crack big minutes for the team, playing just 9.2 minutes per game.
There's no reason for head coach Alvin Gentry and the Pelicans' front office to hit the panic button right now. But if there is a need for an improvement, it would be for a quality perimeter player who could come off the bench and play a 3-and-D role.