New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has plenty of reasons to be optimistic these days.
She listed several of them when she spoke to the Great New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club Luncheon Tuesday.
Benson told attendees that she, like many Saints fans across the country, is excited for the start of the regular season.
“Without question we have had some heart-breaking ends to our last two Saints’ seasons,” She said. ‘However, I truly believe those experiences have strengthened our resolves and determination and that we are a better team this year because of what we have been through.”
Benson also praised the Saints front office and coaching staff for assembling a roster that is “as talented and deep as any I can recall.”
She also expressed optimism in the New Orleans Pelicans whose season opens in October.
She highlighted the franchise’s hiring of executive vice president David Griffin as a big step in the right direction for the team.
“The staff he has assembled and the acquisitions he has made have immediately transformed the perception of our team in the NBA,” she said.
The Pelicans traded All-Star Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles this offseason for a group talented young players and signed a few veterans which should help the team be competitive as the new roster take shapes.
She added that “a little luck never hurts” when explaining the changes to the franchise.
“Winning the draft lottery and the opportunity to select a generational talent like Zion Williamson has made a huge difference,” she said.
