NBA Rumors: Pelicans Star Prepping Mentally, Looking For Statement Win Against Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans will be sporting an entirely new look next season and Jrue Holiday is up to the task. The 29-year-old guard was one of the names mentioned of possibly traded in the NBA offseason but it turns out that he was staying put. Instead, gone was his close friend Anthony Davis who is now with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Regardless, Holiday doesn't seem to be the type to mope and sulk. Instead, he opts to move on to the next chapter of his NBA career, the same thing with the Pelicans. And looking at the young roster of New Orleans, the team does show promise and it may only be a matter of time before the new breed makes some noise.

When one talks about the Pelicans, there is no doubt that Zion Williamson is the first thing that comes to mind. And as far as Holiday is concerned, the top pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has already made an impact, The Athletic reported.

"You can see just how much joy he's brought to the city," said Holiday who is aware at the hype and the freakish ability of the 19-year-old forward. On whether the former Blue Devil can set the tone in his rookie year, Holiday believes the burly 6-foot-7 rookie can ably carry that burden.

With regards to playing against Davis, Holiday admits that it would be different playing against his close friend. And while he is happy for The Brow, he says their friendship will not stand in the way when it comes to winning.

"It's going to be different seeing him on the other side because we know each other so well. But he knows when we play [the Lakers], it's going to be a battle. I'm going to want that win just as badly as he does."

Owning averages of 21.2 points and 7.7 assists per game last NBA season, there is no question Holiday will be among the veterans that the young guys will look up to, Fox Sports reported. Aside from Williamson, there is Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Jahlil Okafor that can help the Pelicans in their upcoming campaign. Brandon Ingram, someone compared to Kevin Durant, could be another rising star for the Pelicans. This will depend however if he gets a clean bill of health on his blood clot problem.

Holiday is one of the older players on the Pelicans roster right now. So aside from playing good ball, he needs to lead the young group as well and hopefully pull off some surprises for the 2019-20 NBA season.