NFL
By: Jacob Compton
It’s just one game…right? Wrong. It means so much more for a Pelicans team to show up on opening night and control every facet of the game against a Nets team projected to be at the top in the East.
Since the Anthony Davis trade, New Orleans has been made out to be the laughingstock of the NBA. “Relocate the team to Seattle.” “Zion should force his way out.” “Poverty Franchise.” and more were all talking points on ESPN, TNT, and other media outlets.
This pissed fans, players, front office staff, and the entire state off just enough to come out ready to dawg any and everybody that is in our way. Building off of making the playoffs last year the Pelicans came out firing on all cylinders and with one goal in mind.
Make.
A.
Statement.
For those of you out there that don’t understand what sports mean to the City of New Orleans, let me tell you a story.
Hurricane Katrina hit the entire Gulf Coast extremely hard. No place was hit harder than New Orleans, and the state of Louisiana. The city is still actively dealing with problems that stem from that system. The city is strong, dripping with culture, and has a strong backbone. The mentality of the State has always been embodied by the Sports teams. In 2010 when the Saints won the Super Bowl it was one of the most impactful things in my and many others’ lifetimes. Because it brought hope, relevancy, and pride to a city that was coming off of one of the worst natural disasters in Human history.
That is what sports teams are, a unifying figure for people. You can be in different cities, states, or countries and instantly have a connection with someone who is wearing a jersey of your favorite team. This unspoken comradery just has a deeper meaning to Pelicans fans. It is a symbol of fighting through tough times. The hope we all have to win a championship and be able to take pride in a basketball team from New Orleans. More importantly, it is a symbol of culture. New Orleans is the cultural capital of the South. I will die on that hill. Food, Sports, and History are all oozing out of every pore in the city.
So, yeah. It does mean more to New Orleans than just one game. Starting the season off by beating a large market team on a big stage is a fantastic way to make that statement. So sit back and watch Brandon Kingram, Zanos Williamson, and Prez McCollum dismantle your team every night. Geaux Pels.
