Last year, the New Orleans Pelicans pumped out 45 wins and earned a playoff berth despite substandard coaching (Monty Williams lost the job this summer; Alvin Gentry took it over), a whole mess of injuries to key rotation players and a style that shackled the considerable talent on hand.
How?
Anthony Davis, that's how.
The Brow broke out last season, leading the league in player efficiency rating (30.8), smashing expectations and positioning himself for more progress this year. Davis isn't just an MVP candidate now; with a bigger body, deeper range on his shot and a coaching staff committed to maximizing his incalculable potential, he's the favorite.