New Orleans Pelicans fans couldn't believe their luck in 2019 when their favorite team walked away from the draft lottery with the No. 1 pick. Duke phenom Zion Williamson would soon call Louisiana home. Between the draft lottery and the draft, fans dreamed of what it would be like when they watched Zion lead their team to a championship, a dream that will, sadly, never come true.
It's been six and a half years since that celebratory moment in New Orleans, and yet, all that the Pelicans have to show for it is two first-round exits. They lost 4-2 against the Suns in 2022, and the Thunder swept them in 2024.