The franchise began playing in the NBA in 2002-2003 season. But they only change their name to New Orleans Pelicans at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season. And in three full seasons of the franchise as Pelicans, they have a total of 109-137 win-loss record. And they only made the playoffs once in the Pelicans Era.
This season, the Pelicans are struggling once again. At 7-12 win-loss record, they are fourth in the Southwest Division and 12th in the Western Conference. The Pelicans have a decent 5-5 home record but are struggling terribly on the road with 2-7.
But the good news for the Pelicans is that their main man Anthony Davis is having the best season of his NBA career. Davis is averaging a monstrous 32.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.8 blocks, per ESPN. He is first in points and blocks, seventh in rebounds and 13th in steals.
He was just having a phenomenal season. He was so good that he could turn a franchise around. But he can't get the Pelicans more victories. It's not that Davis is not doing enough. He is doing all that he can to win. What the Pelicans are lacking though is a lack of quality players.
As good as Davis is individually, he still needs quality players around him. The Pelicans have good players but not well enough for them to get lots of win. With the way things are right now, the Pelicans might not reach the playoffs once again even if Davis continues his dominance.
Is it time for Davis to move to a contender team while he is still at the peak of his career? According to the NBA trade rumor reported by YIBADA, the Portland Trailblazers is in need of a frontcourt player for them to become a contender. Since Davis is one of the top (or if not the best) frontcourt players in the league right now, will he be fit for the Blazers?
The combination of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are considered as one of the best backcourt duos in the NBA. But as good as those two are, the Blazers is just barely hanging at the top 8 of the West. They need a big man who could dominate the inside.
If Davis will play alongside Lillard and McCollum, they will become one of the best teams in the league. Davis is a very good scorer in the post. He can also shoot from the perimeter and even from the three-point line. And because of his offensive skills, he can attract a lot of attention from opposing teams' defense which could lead to open shots to his teammates.
Defensively, he was also very good. He is in fact the league's top shot blocker and can guard the paint very well. He is also very skilled in getting rebounds. Davis is one of the best two-way players in the NBA right now.
Will Davis play alongside Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum in Portland Trailblazers? Stay tuned for the latest NBA trade rumors and updates.
