A team that appeared to be on the rise when a pandemic hit in mid-March is hopeful it can pick up from where it left off, now in July and August. A club that showed so many signs of improvement – both individually and team-wise – is optimistic that it can hit the ground running, knowing that every game is of vital importance. Perhaps most importantly, a New Orleans Pelicans squad that played so much of the 2019-20 season without a complete complement of players is close to fully operational.
If there seems to be boundless enthusiasm emanating from the Crescent City’s NBA franchise these days, there is plenty of reason for that.