4 teams that had a worse 2021 season than the Toronto Raptors
By Jason Mills
3. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are having a very similar season to last in terms of wins and losses. They are 31-41 while finishing last season at 30-42. They had the rookie sensation last year in Zion Williamson, but injuries cost him 48 games.
Williamson has had a much more productive 2021, and in his sophomore season, he averaged 27 points in 61 games.
The Pelicans had a shot at the playoffs playing last season, but went 0-3 to close out their season. They were close again this season as they were just behind the 10th place San Antonio Spurs, but the Pelicans lost their final four games this season.
Despite great offense, the Pelicans struggle on defense
In addition to the 27 points that Williamson provided per game this season, Brandon Ingram also improved and has been impressive, as he averaged 23.8 per game. The Pelicans are eighth overall in the NBA in points scored per game, but give up 115.0 to their opponents. The Pelicans also allow their opponents to shoot 38.1% on 3-point attempts, which is 27th-best in the NBA.
The Pelicans are a young, exciting team but have a big decision to make as to what to do about Lonzo Ball, whose rookie contract expires at season end when he becomes an RFA.
Head to head vs. the Raptors, the Pelicans won both contests in 2021 and, like the Raptors, may have secured a top ten draft selection this season.