Can the New Orleans Pelicans Make a Deep NBA Playoff Run This Season?

As I sit here watching Zion Williamson barrel through the lane with that terrifying blend of power and agility, a question that has been simmering in my mind all season bubbles to the surface: Can these New Orleans Pelicans actually make a deep playoff run this year? I’ve been following this team closely for years, through the ups and downs, the injuries, and the flashes of brilliance, and I have to say, this feels different. There’s a tangible shift in the energy around this squad, a sense of a plan finally coming together. It reminds me of a concept I once heard a coach discuss, something about the importance of persistent, long-term guidance. It brought to mind a quote I came across, though from a different sport entirely, where a player said, "Actually, matagal na niya akong sinasabihan," which translates to "He's been telling me for a long time." That idea of a consistent, guiding voice is precisely what I see in the Pelicans' current trajectory. Head coach Willie Green has been that voice, instilling a defensive identity and a culture of accountability that was missing in previous seasons. He's been telling them, for a long time, what they need to be, and now they are starting to listen and, more importantly, execute.

The foundation of any serious playoff contender is a top-tier defense, and that’s where the Pelicans have made their most significant leap. Last season, they were a middling 18th in defensive rating, allowing about 114.5 points per 100 possessions. This year, they’ve catapulted themselves into the top 10, hovering around a stingy 111.2. That’s a monumental improvement. I attribute this largely to the full-season health of Herbert Jones, who is, in my opinion, the most underrated perimeter defender in the entire league. He’s a nightmare for opposing stars, and his ability to guard one through four is a luxury few teams possess. Then there's the acquisition of CJ McCollum a couple of seasons ago, a move I was initially skeptical about but has paid dividends in ways I didn't anticipate. While his defense will never be his calling card, his veteran leadership and clutch shot-making have provided a steadying hand. He’s been that veteran presence, the one who has "been telling them" how to close out tight games, and it shows. Their record in clutch situations—games within five points in the last five minutes—has improved dramatically, from a sub-.500 team to one that wins nearly 60% of those nail-biters.

Of course, any conversation about the Pelicans begins and ends with Zion Williamson. When he’s on the court, they are a legitimate force. The numbers are staggering. With Zion playing this season, the Pelicans' offensive rating skyrockets to around 118.7, which would be a top-three offense in the league. Without him? It plummets to a bottom-ten level. That’s the definition of a franchise player. His unique combination of size, speed, and ball-handling is something we simply haven't seen before. He’s a one-man wrecking crew in the paint, shooting over 60% from two-point range. But here’s the thing that gives me pause, and it’s the elephant in the room: durability. His history of injuries is well-documented, and a deep playoff run requires surviving two months of brutal, physical basketball. Can his body hold up? I want to believe it can, but my gut tells me it’s the single biggest variable that will determine their fate. It’s not just about Zion, though. Brandon Ingram has to be that consistent second option, the smooth, mid-range assassin who can get a bucket when the offense stagnates. When both are healthy and engaged, they form one of the most dynamic forward duos in the entire NBA.

Looking at the Western Conference landscape, the path is treacherous but not impossible. You have the established giants like Denver and Phoenix, but I don't see the Pelicans as clearly inferior to anyone outside of the top two or three seeds. Their length and defensive versatility give them a fighting chance against any opponent. They match up surprisingly well against a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, for instance, because they have multiple bodies to throw at Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. The key for them will be securing a top-six seed to avoid the play-in tournament chaos. The stress and extra games of the play-in could be exhausting, and I’d much rather see them enter the playoffs with a defined first-round opponent and some rest. Their bench, led by the energetic Trey Murphy III and the savvy Larry Nance Jr., provides a level of depth that is crucial for a long series. Murphy, in particular, is a player I’m incredibly high on; his three-point shooting (around 38% on high volume) is a perfect spacer for Zion and Ingram to operate inside.

So, can they do it? Can they make a run to the Conference Finals, or even beyond? My heart says yes, but my analyst's mind preaches cautious optimism. The pieces are undoubtedly there. The coaching is solid, the defense is elite, and the star power is blinding when healthy. They have that collective understanding, that sense of a group that has been through the battles together and has had the right principles drilled into them over time. It’s that "he's been telling me for a long time" mentality manifesting on the court. However, the Western Conference is a gauntlet. It requires not just talent, but luck, health, and an unshakable belief. I believe this Pelicans team has the potential to shock the world and make a deep run, perhaps even winning a couple of playoff series. But to truly ascend to the conference finals, they’ll need everything to break right, especially regarding Zion’s health. It’s a tall order, but for the first time in a long time, it doesn’t feel like a fantasy. It feels like a distinct, exciting possibility. And as a fan of the game, that’s all you can really ask for.