Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings

69. <p>When your team boasts Anthony Davis at power forward, how can you lose?  That enigma continues to plague the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are mired in the mediocrity of having a true NBA superstar without the supporting cast to elevate the team. Davis sole contribution keeps the team in the 30 win neighborhood, but that is far enough removed from the top of the NBA draft to squelch hopes of finding other uniquely gifted players.</p> <p>The team needs to improve defensively, and the direction of their off-season moves suggest that the Pelicans are attempting to do just that. The loss of Ryan Anderson (DRtg 112), James Ennis (DRtg 111) and Jordan Hamilton (DRtg 110) has been offset in part by the signings of E’Twuan Moore (DRtg 109) and Solomon Hill (DRtg 103).</p> <p>The wild card this year will be rookie Buddy Hield’s debut in the NBA.  While he put up solid numbers in the NCAA competition, many discounted the performance as simply that of a four year senior overmatching against first year rookies.  The real test of Hield will be his playing time, and how productive he is in his court time.</p> <p>I think this will work down the road, but only see modest gainst for the team this season.</p> <p><strong>Key Losses:</strong> Ryan Anderson, James Ennis, Jordan Hamilton<br /> <strong>Key Gains:</strong>  Solomon Hill, Buddy Hield, E’Twaun Moore<br /> <strong>Key Statistic</strong>: Team Defense<br /> <strong>NBA Power Rankings:</strong> 23rd</p>. (34-48). Previous: . New Orleans Pelicans. 23. team