By pulling off a blockbuster trade that became official Monday afternoon, New Orleans went from being viewed as just one club among a pack of teams competing for a West playoff berth, to a center of discussion in the sports world. As longtime local columnist Jeff Duncan put it Tuesday, “the Pelicans have been transformed from national afterthoughts to prime-time players. They will be must-see TV for the final 25 games of the regular season. All eyes will be on the Pels.”
When the post-break of the schedule tips off Thursday vs. Houston in the Smoothie King Center, New Orleans (23-34) will have seven weeks to try to achieve one of its primary 2016-17 goals, returning to the playoffs.