DeMarcus Cousins Says Pelicans Have Good Chance To ‘Shock A Lot Of People’ Next Season

Last season, the New Orleans Pelicans hosted the NBA All-Star Game in the Big Easy, and although there was added attention on the franchise due to the events in the city, Anthony Davis and company were still headed toward a disappointing end to the season. Fortunately for New Orleans, right after the All-Star Game ended, the Pelicans pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire DeMarcus Cousins.

Despite the fact that the fact Cousins had been mentioned in trade rumors for years, the Pelicans were never considered a potential destination for the All-Star center. The trade took everyone by surprise and as a result threw New Orleans in the conversation as a potential Western Conference heavyweight in the making.

Cousins recently talked about teaming up with fellow All-Star Anthony Davis in New Orleans and how the Pelicans may turn a lot of heads next season, via Marc J. Spears of the Undefeated:

Cousins said the Pelicans have a “very good chance to shock a lot of people.”

“We see that we can do something special regardless of the reports or what the so-called experts think about our team,” Cousins said. “We’re very confident. We think we have a chance to shock a lot of people. I’m excited. I wish it was starting tomorrow. I’m excited about this season.”

During the NBA offseason, the Pelicans re-signed point guard Jrue Holiday to a lucrative long-term deal and added veteran Rajon Rondo into the mix on a one-year deal. Rondo played alongside Cousins with the Sacramento Kings and created a bond with the veteran center.

Of course, even with two of the best frontcourt players in the game, the Pelicans have a giant mountain to climb in the West. The conference is stacked with talent from top to bottom with many believing the Golden State Warriors will be favorites to win it all for years to come.

Although the odds are against them, New Orleans has an opportunity to do some special with Cousins and Davis in the fold.