As I scroll through the various NBA subreddits this season, one team keeps popping up in discussions that feel different from years past—the New Orleans Pelicans. I’ve been following the league closely for over a decade, both as a fan and a part-time analyst, and I have to say, the buzz around this squad is shifting in a fascinating way. It’s not just about Zion Williamson’s health anymore (though that’s still a huge part of it), but about something deeper—a kind of identity and grit that fans and critics alike are starting to notice. I remember watching their game against the Suns last week, and the way they closed out the fourth quarter was, frankly, impressive. They held Phoenix to just 18 points in the final 12 minutes. That’s not luck; that’s defensive discipline, something we haven’t always associated with this team.

Reddit user u/NOLAbasketball42 put it perfectly in a thread last month: “This isn’t the same old Pelicans—they’re playing with a chip on their shoulder, and it shows.” I couldn’t agree more. What’s really caught my attention, though, is how the team’s mentality mirrors a piece of wisdom I came across recently. It’s from a quote by a former PBA player, who once told his son, “Kung gusto mo ako (gayahin), ito ang mga gagawin mo,” which translates to, “If you want to emulate me, these are the things you must do.” That idea of mentorship, of passing down not just skills but a specific approach to the game, feels relevant here. I see it in the way veterans like CJ McCollum are guiding younger players, and how the coaching staff has instilled a system that demands accountability. It’s not just about raw talent anymore; it’s about building habits, something the Pelicans seem to be embracing.

Let’s talk numbers for a second, because they tell part of the story. Through 35 games this season, the Pelicans are allowing just 108.7 points per 100 possessions, which places them in the top 10 defensively—a massive jump from last year’s ranking of 18th. Offensively, they’re sharing the ball more, averaging around 26.5 assists per game, up from 23.8 the previous season. But stats only go so far. What Reddit users are picking up on, and what I’ve observed myself, is the intangibles. Take Trey Murphy III, for example. His three-point shooting is up to 41% on nearly seven attempts per game, but it’s his defensive rotations that have people talking. In a post titled “Underrated Defensive Plays,” one fan compiled clips of him disrupting passing lanes, and the comments were filled with praise. It’s that kind of detail-oriented play that makes me think this team is building something special.

Of course, not everything is perfect, and the subreddits aren’t shy about pointing that out. Zion’s minutes restriction has been a recurring topic, with some users frustrated by the cautious approach. I get it—when you have a generational talent, you want to see him on the court as much as possible. But having seen how injuries derailed previous seasons, I lean toward the side of patience. Another hot topic is the bench depth. While the starting lineup has been solid, there are games where the second unit struggles to maintain leads. In a close loss to the Grizzlies, for instance, the bench gave up a 12-point advantage in just under six minutes. That’s where the “emulate me” philosophy comes back into play—if the younger reserves can learn from the starters’ consistency, this team could avoid those lapses.

Personally, I’ve always been drawn to teams that evolve over a season, and the Pelicans are doing exactly that. They’re not just relying on individual brilliance; they’re building a culture, much like the one described in that PBA quote. It’s about doing the little things—setting hard screens, communicating on defense, moving without the ball. I noticed in a recent game against the Lakers how Herb Jones, who’s not exactly a star name, completely shut down Anthony Davis in the clutch. That’s the kind of effort that wins over Reddit forums and, more importantly, wins games. The discussion threads have shifted from “Will Zion play?” to “How far can this team go?” and that’s a testament to their progress.

In conclusion, the Reddit hive mind has it right this season: the New Orleans Pelicans are turning heads for all the right reasons. They’re blending youth with veteran leadership, embracing a defensive identity, and showing flashes of a team that could make noise in the playoffs. While there are still questions around health and consistency, the overall sentiment is optimistic—and I’m right there with them. As that former PBA player emphasized, emulation requires action, not just aspiration, and this Pelicans squad seems to be taking those steps. If they keep it up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win 48-50 games and secure a top-four seed in the West. For now, I’ll keep scrolling through those game threads, because the conversation around this team is as exciting as their play on the court.