The Pelicans' X-Factor Heading Into the Season

News ArticlePublishedJul 31, 2026 at 12:39 PM EDTWith the start of the NBA season just a few short months away, it's time to pick an x-factor for each team.The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping Jordan Poole can find his footing. They're depending on it.After a disappointing 26-win season, New Orleans didn't make a massive change to the roster. Instead, the team is betting on its current group being better, healthier and more connected after a year that never really came together.That puts Poole in a pretty important spot. The guard arrived with plenty to prove after a tough first season in New Orleans. He averaged 13.4 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 37.2% from the field, a significant drop from the offensive role he had during his time in Washington.The Pelicans never, ever gave up on