After the deal deadline, most fans didn't expect much from the New Orleans Pelicans. Sure, they did get CJ McCollum through a whistle trade, but most people don't think that's enough to change the team.com. With Zion still recovering, it is widely believed that the Pelicans will continue to struggle in the lotto district.
However, even the hardcore Pelicans fans did not expect CJ McCollum to have such an impact. Since the All-Star Game, the Pelicans have won a four-game winning streak, beating the Suns, Lakers, Kings and Jazz, all of which are big wins. Considering the generally high quality of opponents, the Pelicans' winning streak is full of gold.
According to statistics, the Pelicans have a total net win of 107 points in the past four games, which is the first team in NBA history to nett 100+ in the first four games after the All-Star, and the fourth team to nett a net victory of 90+ in the first four games after the All-Star.
The previous three teams were: the 76ers (+97) in 1982-1983, the Pacers (+95) in 2012-2013, and the Celtics (+91) in 1956-1957. Both 76 and Celtic won the season's championship, while the Pacers hit the Eastern Conference Finals G7. The Pelicans are not without the possibility of miracles, since Feb. 1, the Pelicans have ranked fourth in the league in offensive efficiency and fifth in the league in net efficiency. The data suggests that the Pelicans are now in a position to approach a championship-contending team.
Unsurprisingly, the Pelicans' current team boss is CJ McCollum. The former Trail Blazers defender is in a leadership position on and off the court, inspiring the team with his steady presence. He worked with Ingram, Valanciunas and Herbo Jones to transform the Pelicans into a playoff team.
It's called: winning isn't scary, it's embarrassing to lack anyone. The Pelicans' 21-year-old Zion Williamson has been missing games with an injury. He had already secured his position as the boss of the team last season. But now, he has to admit the reality that the Pelicans play better without him. Zion is reluctant to stay and play at the Pelicans, who sees New Orleans as a small market. But with the Pelicans' current configuration, if Zion can return healthy, their strength should not be underestimated.