Even the most ardent of Pelicans supporters will have to make the admission: The fan turnout for the New Orleans NBA team hasn't always been a point of pride.
In fairness to the fanbase, the team hasn't always put together a product that forces fans to get excited. But, knocks on wood, might the winds have finally shifted in that regard?
The excitement around the 2022-'23 version of the Pelicans feels palpable. Nowhere was that more apparent than the team's open practice on Saturday, with fans turning out in droves for a training camp practice. Don't believe us? Here's some proof:
The line to get into a Pelicans open practice. Over 2 hours before the event begins.
— Oleh Kosel 🇺🇦 (@OlehKosel) October 1, 2022
It’s true, New Orleans is a basketball 🏀 town. 🔥 https://t.co/KOBoFX4yiv
It was a scene not unlike the one back in 2019 when fans turned out for a glimpse at the new superstar Zion Williamson and core of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram. That excited waned a bit when Zion missed the first half of the season with a knee issue and the team struggled mightily.
Could it stick around this time? The odds seem to be in the Pelicans' favor, as does the talent. Williamson is back, looking healthy, confident -- and possibly most important -- as happy as ever to be in a Pelicans uniform. Ingram has grown into an NBA star, and he's now joined for a full season by entrenched NBA star CJ McCollum in the backcourt. The big-man trio of Jonas Valanciunas, Jaxson Hayes and Larry Nance Jr. looks to be formidable. The young, exciting trio of Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado are hoping to build on standout rookie campaigns. Kira Lewis is expected to make his return from a knee injury, and lottery pick Dyson Daniels is gonna factor in there somewhere.
Whatever way you slice it, it's a good time to be a New Orleans Pelicans fan.
