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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Southwest Division

By Brian Boake

Nov 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors logo on the scoreboard to start the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors logo on the scoreboard to start the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Last season: 30 – 52

This season: 33 – 49

This team won big in the 2012 lottery by grabbing the brilliant Anthony Davis, but he’s been lonely too long. Unless they plan to surround him with real players sooner than later, he’s going to bolt, and who could blame him? The always-injured Tyreke Evans will try to get through another season.

Mar 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

They have added a bunch of cast-offs like Langston Galloway, Solomon Hill (who might prove a pleasant surprise), and E’Twaun Moore. To me they are more like Brooklyn South than a contender.

Beware any team who touts a rookie (in their case, Buddy Hield) as the missing link. Davis is eminently capable of posting another MVP-grade season for a team on a downhill slide.

Next: Rockets don't have enough fuel

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