The New Orleans Pelicans are healthy and whole again. They have all their key pieces to begin this season. If we do not pay attention to their 0-3 Preseason record, we should be chuffed about their chances of making it big this year. And that?s why this Pelicans Guard?s message adds heft to their aspirations.

Whenever this Pelicans team gains expectation, they collapse like a pack of cards. Will this season be any different, and if yes, who is going to be that difference maker?

Are the Pelicans a true contender?

Last season there were two Pelicans teams, one with Zion, where they steamrolled their opponents, and one without Zion when they got decimated. Yet, this team boasts of some superior talents like Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas to be a genuine contender. That?s why Jose Alvarado?s message is a desperate cry. This backup point guard, while crashing Brandon Ingram?s interview, wanted him to say that they have their acts together. ?Tell them we gotta get our shit together,? were Alvarado’s exact words.

Brandon Ingram is only the second player to have 30-point triple-doubles for Nola. The other player would be Chris Paul. Ingram has taken his game to another level since winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award. He also made it to the all-star team once. However, from playing 62 and 61 games in his first 2 seasons with the Pelicans, his availability has dwindled down to 55 and 45 games in the last two seasons. Yet he is better than Zion, who only played 29 games last season. With these two players as the cornerstones, can the Pelicans ever be a real contender? A lot has to change for them to have some genuine success.

The Next Level

Willie Green is a fantastic head coach. Both the players and the media have only high praise for him. But he can only draw the plays and get the team ready if the players are healthy and available. In his third year as the head coach, he has to figure out a way to do that.

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Zion, in one of his interviews, said that LeBron has created the blueprint for others to follow. Yes indeed, but that takes perseverance. Will this be the season that he would get his act together? At least that?s what Jose Alvarado is demanding from him. This Nola team has all the right ingredients to contend for a title. The only thing that is left in question is their will.

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