Halo

Through the addition of some new athletes as well as the return of pivotal players, the New Orleans Pelicans look poised for a better performance heading into the 2014-15 season.

Last year, the ball club finished with a win-loss record of 34-48—good for 12th in the Western Conference.

However, the current roster is upgraded from a season ago, and expectations now reach as far as competing for a low playoff seed.



Fresh Faces, Improved Returners Will Allow for More Success



A noteworthy flaw in New Orleans' game last season existed in its defense. Specifically, opposing points in the paint hurt them immensely, as teamrankings.com points out that the Pelicans finished 20th in this category at 43.8 allowed per contest.

The main reason for this was New Orleans' lack of a true starting center. However, by acquiring 7'0" big man Omer Asik via trade this summer, this problem will completely evaporate.

Asik is a defensive monster notorious for his ability to consistently alter shots. He may not accumulate numerous blocks (he averages only 0.9 per game for his career), but his colossal presence alone is enough to force tough attempts.

Paired alongside the NBA's shot-blocking leader for 2013-14 in Anthony Davis, the Pelicans will skyrocket into a top-10 paint protector.

Look for New Orleans' bench production to stay solid as well. According to hoopstats.com, the team's pine play last season proved reliable, as they finished eighth in points as well as overall efficiency.

Although the team lost contributors such as Anthony Morrow and Brian Roberts in free agency, newcomers such as rookie Russ Smith, shooter Jimmer Fredette and veteran John Salmons will help the reserves remain relevant.



As far as the returners are concerned, the pieces integral for the squad's success seem prepared to compete. Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson all missed significant spans of time due to injury last season, but all three are now healthy and ready to roll.

But the best news for the Pelicans deals with Davis, the Pelicans' rising superstar entering his third NBA campaign. The Kentucky product served as a pivotal part of Team USA's gold-winning effort this year in the FIBA World Cup. Through this experience, the 21-year-old obtained leadership qualities he can apply moving forward in his career.

From the words of Davis himself (h/t Jimmy Smith of The Times-Picayune):

I was looked upon as one of the guys who got the team going, bringing that energy and effort offensively and defensively. It was fun. If I have a chance to do it again, I think I would.

I try to do that here as well, so it was just kind of an extension of the season. A lot of those guys can lead, as well, are leaders of their team. So I was trying to take some of what they do, how they lead, try to pick it up so I could have it coming back into this season.

It is clear Davis used his Team USA time wisely by closely observing his peers and their approach to the game. Undoubtedly the most talented player on New Orleans' roster, the power forward will take his lessons from international play and utilize them accordingly. Consequently, his club will reap the rewards.

Also, it's worth noting head coach Monty Williams served as an assistant for Team USA. Directing the Pelicans' on-court execution, his experience under Mike Krzyzewski will work wonders for the squad.

Enhanced defense, solid bench effort and knowledgable leadership will each play a key role in New Orleans' goal to rise through the ranks. Assuming all goes well, these factors will culminate in a successful attempt at improvement. The playoffs will certainly be within reach.



The Pelicans' Place in the Western Conference and Southwest Division



In order to even sniff success, however, New Orleans must perform well against the competitive Western Conference. Their record of 15-37 last season certainly won't cut it with the playoffs serving as the ultimate objective in 2014-15.

For the Pelicans to finish above .500 in their conference, defeating their division rivals will prove critical. This may serve as a tough task, as all four opponents in the Southwest boast postseason potential.

The San Antonio Spurs, obviously, are the defending champions. Facing them will present a demanding challenge, especially with all of their key contributors returning.

The remaining three teams in the division—the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies—will all likely vie for a lower playoff seed. Every matchup against these clubs will be a battle, and proper execution down the stretch will ultimately serve as the deciding factor.



When it comes to the Southwest, several possible outcomes exist for New Orleans. While first place is out of its grasp, anywhere between a second- and fifth-place finish is feasible to envision.

It just all comes down to how the Pelicans play.

As far as the West as a whole goes, expect New Orleans to ferociously compete for a seventh or eighth seed. The abundance of talent between "middle-of-the-pack" teams in this conference can cause them to finish as high as sixth or as low as 10th.

Moving forward, it is important to understand that any sort of improvement is a positive step. If the Pelicans contend for the eighth spot and fail, the fact they actually had a chance at the postseason is something worth celebrating.

And if they clinch the eighth seed (or better), all the more reason to express excitement.

New Orleans possesses a youthful roster just brimming with upside. This untapped potential will not fully reveal itself in 2014-15, but at the very least expect a transition from cellar dweller to relevancy.



Record Prediction: 46-36

Predicted Place in Southwest: Fifth

Predicted Place in Conference: Ninth



(Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com)

Josh Haar is a NBA writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on twitter @JHaarNBA.

Read more New Orleans Pelicans news on BleacherReport.com



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billyt81

Dam is the West so good that 46-36 would leave us out of the playoffs? Dam! I have faith in this team. I predict: Playoffs/very entertaining games and of course I can't guarantee a title but the roster is that good. Can't wait. AD is a Tim Duncan caliber player.