2013-14 NBA Preview: 10 Teams Best Suited To Play Small Ball

9. New Orleans Pelicans

Aug 1, 2013; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during a Pelicans junior camp following a uniform unveiling at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans have an incredibly athletic backcourt with Jrue Holiday and Eric Gordon. Additionally, their acquisition of Tyreke Evans gives them a strong basketball player that will excel in the small forward position. Evans is the tallest of the three at 6’6”. The Pelicans will have an undersized one, two and three, but their transition game will run circles around most other teams.

Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson, two natural power forwards, have the ability to give the Pelicans floor spacing. Davis has the strength and size to play extended minutes at the center position. He is already one of the more athletic forwards in the league, but match him up against traditional centers and his combination of speed and strength will truly shine. Anderson can play next to Davis as the stretch four. With his ability to shoot the three-ball, Anderson helps the Pelicans open up the floor for the athletic guards.

The Pelicans will be absolutely dangerous in the transition next season. If they play small, all five of the players from Holiday to Davis can run the floor and finish around the rim.