7 Lottery Teams That Could Make The Playoffs

Apr 14, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; A fan holds up a sign during the final home game of the season and final game for the New Orleans Hornets franchise against the Dallas Mavericks at the New Orleans Arena. The Mavericks defeated the Hornets 107-89. The game was the final home game for the Hornets franchise as they will be rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans starting next season. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

Out of all the sewer dwellers of the Western Confernce, the newly minted Pelicans seem ready to embrace something resembling regular season success. A lot of things would have to go right for this untested bunch to rip and roar their way into the playoffs but it is not outside the realm of possibility, which it decidedly has been the previous two years.

Jrue Holiday is ostensibly an All-Star, though I prefer to call him All-Star-esque, but he’s certainly an upgrade over Grievis Vasquez (who is actually quite good). Together with proven basket makers Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans they’ll potentially form one of the most exciting backcourt rotations in the NBA (potentially they’ll also form one of the ball hoggiest backcourts). Ryan Anderson is a poor man’s Kevin Love (not a bad thing at all) and Anthony Davis and his unibrow will slowly morph into the transformational force we’ve all been waiting for.

Monty Williams might not have an embarrassment of riches, but he has quite a few interesting pieces to play with. Depth will be an issue, as will playing in what is assuredly the toughest conference in the NBA, but the Pelicans have a fighting chance, which is a lot better than the alternative. Oh yeah, Austin Rivers is on this team, and I continue to believe his Summer League domination is a mirage. Sorry to end on a bummer, Pelican-ites.