Solace for Saints Fans Lies at Smoothie King Center

Last Sunday, the New Orleans Saints had their playoff hopes extinguished by the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints, had they reached the playoffs, would have hosted a playoff game at the Superdome, a stadium that no team anticipates visiting.

For years the Superdome has maintained its reputation of providing a gargantuan home-field advantage to the Saints thanks to the passionate New Orleans fans. The energy in the building has always been enough to keep the home team in the game, no matter the deficit.

Dec 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks on near the end of the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints, 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans are not nearly as fortunate.

As of December 27th the Pelicans rank 25th in average attendance. The Saints sit at 9th in the NFL in attendance. To put that into perspective, the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers have two of the most intense fan bases in the NBA. They rank 7th and 8th respectively. Merely the thought of having to play meaningful games at either of these locations strikes fear into the hearts of the most dominant contenders. Sound familiar?

The Saints have been in the Big Easy since the 1960’s, so it makes perfect sense that they have a more established fan base. New Orleans’ basketball franchise is only in the midst of its 13^th season (not including the New Orleans Jazz of the ’70s), and they have yet to accomplish what the Saints have in terms of success. But now times are changing, and the future looks bright for the young Pelicans.

Dec 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach

talks with forward

(33) during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Jazz 119-111. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The newly refurbished Smoothie King Center is reflective of the team it hosts: a rebranded, young talent that has yet to reach its true potential. New Orleans is capable of hosting game-changing crowds.

All the Pelicans have to do is look across the street to see one of the most feared buildings in the NFL and all of professional sports.

This dream of a ferocious home-field advantage can become a reality with the help of a certain young superstar.

The Anthony Davis Factor

Basketball may not immediately appeal to everyone, and that’s ok. That said, EVERYONE can appreciate a good highlight reel. And barring a wave off from Tyreke Evans, the play of Anthony Davis is always just that.

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The pure athleticism displayed by Davis night in and night out cannot afford to be missed.

This past Friday, I was watching the Pelicans take on the Spurs. My sister (who is not a basketball fan) came in to ask me a question and glanced at the TV, managing to catch Davis soar through the air to finish an alley-oop from Jrue Holiday.

“I didn’t know anyone could do that.” she stated in awe, still looking at the screen. I started to explain the rules behind an alley-oop when she cut me off,

Dec 27, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) before the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

“No, I know that. But THAT guy right there. How did he even reach that ball? Was that the unibrow guy?”

The talents of the “unibrow guy” transcend basketball. There should be no empty seats at whatever arena is hosting Anthony Davis. Every sport has players that deliver a surreal experience on the live stage, one that cannot be translated through television.

The NHL’s Alexander Ovechkin, MLB’s Mike Trout and New Orleans’ own Drew Brees all spring to mind. Davis defines this category of players. As gaudy as his numbers have been thus far, considering the show that he puts on night in and night out, those statistics do not do his performance justice. If anyone can create basketball fans out of the people of New Orleans, it is definitely Anthony Davis.

By The Numbers

Even though the Smoothie King Center has not provided any significant home-court advantage (yet), the Pelicans players have certainly been more comfortable when playing in New Orleans.

Omer Asik and Anthony Davis post small improvements when playing at home. Asik’s FG% jumps from 41% all the way up to 58%, while also tacking on almost an entire block per game. Davis is stellar no matter where he plays, but so far this season he has ironically been more efficient on the road. His shooting percentages drop at Smoothie King, but like Asik his blocks see a solid uptick from 2.5 to 3.8 per game.

Jrue Holiday has been putting up respectable numbers all season, but if he still manages to hit more shots at home (48% at home, 42% on the road), the Pels will continue to give opposing defenses trouble.

The same goes for Ryan Anderson, who bolsters his three point success to 41% from a disappointing 27% on the road.

The most drastic change comes from Tyreke Evans. He has had some struggles getting the ball to drop on the road, but that all changes in the Smoothie King Center. So far, out of New Orleans Evans averages 13.3 points, 5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting a dreadful 36% from the field and 22% from three. At home, the numbers tell a different story entirely: 20.4 points, 6.3 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and a 49% from the field with a surprisingly efficient 39% from deep.

Dec 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) reacts after scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 128-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans have posted a 9-4 record at home thus far. With a softer schedule on the way, that number will be sure to inflate. And if the team can manage to sustain its success at home, the crowd will inflate as well.

Friday’s game against San Antonio was a step in the right direction. The fans fed off of the players’ energy, and the players returned the favor by ramping up the intensity for the win. With Anthony Davis at the helm of this young and talented team, the Pelicans will soon be a force to be reckoned with.

The Superdome may have shut its doors for the season, but the fans that inhabit it can find refuge right across the street. In fact, once they arrive at Smoothie King Center, they may never want to leave.