After a successful run that resulted in several play-in victories and taking the Phoenix Suns to six games in their playoff series, the New Orleans Pelicans could have decided to bask in the glory of a great turnaround.
They didn’t.
Herb Jones never left the gym during the offseason months. Trey Murphy gained 13 pounds of muscle since the end of the last campaign. Willy Hernangomez won the MVP award in leading Spain to a gold medal in EuroBasket. And Zion Williamson’s chiseled physique was so impressive on media day that David Griffin, staffers and media alike couldn’t help but smile far and wide.