The New Orleans Pelicans are heading to the NBA playoffs. Despite Zion Williamson not playing a second of basketball this season, they made it back to the postseason for the first time since 2018.

No one thought the Pelicans would be here given Williamson's prolonged foot injury. When they sacrificed a first-round pick and more for CJ McCollum, it seemed like an incredibly bold move that wouldn't pay off until Williamson returned. But instead, it paid off this season. The Pels had to overcome a lot to get here, including their own awful start to the season.

New Orleans became one of four teams to win one or fewer games in the first 13 games of the season and still make the playoffs. Coincidentally, the last team to do it is the one they play in the first round, the Phoenix Suns.

McCollum thrived down the homestretch of the season for New Orleans, leading the team in scoring. Brandon Ingram played very well, Jonas Valanciunas put up a strong season and Herb Jones established himself as one of the best defenders in the league. Head coach Willie Green put it all together in his first season. He handled adversity, motivated his squad and made the right tactical decisions to get them this far.

Although the Suns are perhaps the best team in the league, the Pelicans simply making it to the NBA playoffs is a huge accomplishment. Williamson joining the team will make them an even more formidable team.