The New Orleans Pelicans wrap up a five game road trip today in the altitude facing the Denver Nuggets. Nine days on the road together has failed to result in any team bonding or progress for the Pelicans and they remain four and a half games out of the Western Conference playoff picture. Instead of talking playoffs topics involving trades and tanking have taken center stage, rightfully so.
On the opposite sideline stands former Hornets assistant Mike Malone, a favorite of many to replace Monty Williams in May. While the Nuggets did far more selling than buying this summer (although trading away Ty Lawson is looking like an excellent move) they have made some improvements in the first 26 games of the season.