As a longtime NBA analyst who’s followed the New Orleans Pelicans for years, I’ve often asked myself whether this team has what it takes to make a deep playoff run. Honestly, I’ve seen them swing between flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. But this season feels different, and I’m here to walk you through my step-by-step take on how they can actually pull it off—and why that reference to Aguilar’s comment about Galinato playing college ball in the UAAP actually resonates here. You see, just like how Galinato was told something repeatedly—“Actually, matagal na niya akong sinasabihan”—the Pelicans have been hearing the same critiques over and over: they’re talented but not quite ready. Well, maybe it’s time they prove everyone wrong.
First off, let’s talk about their roster. Zion Williamson is the obvious centerpiece, and when he’s healthy, he’s a force of nature. I mean, the guy averaged 27 points per game last season in the 61 games he played, and his ability to drive to the basket is just unreal. But here’s the thing: relying solely on Zion is a recipe for disaster, as we’ve seen in past playoff exits. Step one for the Pelicans is to diversify their offense. Brandon Ingram needs to step up as a consistent second option—not just in scoring, but in playmaking. I’ve noticed that when Ingram gets into his rhythm, the whole team flows better. Remember, in basketball, it’s not just about one star; it’s about how the pieces fit together, much like how Galinato’s experience with Adamson and La Salle in the UAAP taught him to adapt to different roles. That kind of versatility is key.
Now, moving to defense, which has been a weak spot for New Orleans in crunch moments. Step two involves tightening up their perimeter defense. Last season, they allowed opponents to shoot around 36% from three-point range, which is middle-of-the-pack but not playoff-ready. I’d push for more aggressive switching and using Herb Jones as their defensive anchor—he’s a gem who doesn’t get enough credit. From my perspective, defense wins championships, and if the Pelicans can shave off even 2-3 points per game from their opponents’ scoring average, they’ll be in a much better position. Plus, let’s not forget the mental aspect; staying disciplined under pressure is huge. It reminds me of that UAAP mindset Aguilar mentioned: being told something repeatedly builds resilience, and this team needs to internalize that.
Another critical step is managing injuries and depth. Look, I’ll be blunt—the Pelicans’ bench has been inconsistent. CJ McCollum is a solid vet, but when key players like Zion or Ingram sit, the drop-off can be stark. In my experience watching them, they should lean into their young guys like Trey Murphy III more often. Murphy’s three-point shooting (he hit 40% last season) is a game-changer, and giving him minutes in high-stakes situations could pay off big time. Also, scheduling rest days strategically is a must; pushing players too hard leads to burnout, and we’ve seen that derail promising seasons before. I’d estimate they need at least 50-55 games from Zion to have a real shot, so balancing his load is non-negotiable.
Then there’s the coaching and chemistry element. Willie Green has done a decent job, but I think he needs to be more adaptive in playoff settings. Step four is all about in-game adjustments—like switching defenses or exploiting mismatches faster. Personally, I love when teams play with a chip on their shoulder, and the Pelicans have that potential if they embrace an underdog mentality. Think back to Galinato’s journey; playing in competitive leagues like the UAAP builds that gritty, never-say-die attitude. If New Orleans can channel that, they might surprise people. Oh, and let’s not overlook the intangibles: team morale, leadership in the locker room—those things often separate good teams from great ones.
But here’s where I get real: the Western Conference is stacked. You’ve got powerhouses like the Nuggets and Warriors, and up-and-comers like the Grizzlies. For the Pelicans to make a deep run, they’ll likely need to win at least two playoff series, which means beating teams with more experience. I’d peg their chances at around 30% if they stay healthy, but if injuries hit, it drops to maybe 10%. Still, I’m optimistic because I’ve seen glimpses of their ceiling—like that stretch last year where they went 12-3 in March. If they can string together performances like that, who knows?
Wrapping it up, the question “Can the New Orleans Pelicans Make a Deep NBA Playoff Run This Season?” isn’t just about talent—it’s about execution. From shoring up defense to leveraging their depth, each step I’ve outlined builds on that idea of persistent growth, much like Aguilar’s reflection on being told something over and over. In my view, if they check these boxes, they could definitely make noise in the playoffs. Sure, it’s a long shot, but as a fan, I’m rooting for them to turn potential into reality. After all, in basketball, as in life, sometimes the teams that everyone underestimates are the ones that shock the world.
