Through the first half of the season, the New Orleans Pelicans have disappointed thoroughly. Instead of improving under Alvin Gentry, the team has taken a massive step back. Currently, only two teams have a worse defensive rating, and the offensive is not blowing teams out of the water to pick up the slack, either. Despite being known for his offenses, the Pelicans are currently just 14th in offensive rating per 100 possession, according to basketball-reference.com.
Injuries have been a major storyline so far this season, and the narrative will likely remain in place for the rest of the season.