As he addressed the media Thursday inside his team’s practice facility, New Orleans point guard Tim Frazier couldn’t help but think, we shouldn’t be here right now. When he looks back on the Pelicans’ 2016-17 season, the third-year NBA veteran rues the way it started – 2-10 without Jrue Holiday, who was on family leave – as well as a 2-6 span immediately following the DeMarcus Cousins trade.
If not for those costly stretches, Frazier pointed out, instead of a season-wrapup press conference Thursday, New Orleans (34-48) could’ve potentially been preparing for a first-round playoff series vs. Golden State.