With the NBA’s opening slate of games kicking off in just a few short hours, I wanted for all of us to have a little fun and put Zion Williamson’s injury on the back burner. Hope you find these short poems about each player on the New Orleans Pelicans as entertaining yet prophetic in some small way as I did!

Jrue Holiday

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Your days of being underrated are dead

The prime of your career is alive

You’ve defied odds before

This time the country will be available for the ride

We all control the limits of what we can be

So why can’t you become an MVP

Frank Jackson

Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

Summer league was your time to shine

You did

The pre-season was your chance to show growth from a kid to a man

You showed an improved game and smiled through every step

We can’t wait to see you blossom even if you’re limited by the team’s depth

Jaxson Hayes

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Some may call you a project

But there’s not much to be built

We’ll “check-in” with your progress

Even if there’s a G-League split

Keep a bounce in your step

Like your hair with every move

You’ll be ready in no time

We look forward to seeing you soon

Derrick Favors

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The analytics say you’re a diamond in plain sight

You wanted to come here

So you thought more than the future was bright

If your hamstring is healed

The defense could become elite

We hope playing the five makes you feel complete

JJ Redick

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Everybody needs a shooter

You came to a team that didn’t have many

A playoff streak surviving in the West is hard

The playoff slots don’t seat plenty

But if a challenge is what you want

We’re behind you with open arms

NOLA is the perfect place to be the underdog

Brandon Ingram

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The last time we had somebody with your gifts

Usher was on top of the top 100 billboard list

Play your game and be you

Ignore talk about the three-pointer versus the two

Have fun playing again cause last season was a bummer

Let’s celebrate with a contract next summer

Lonzo Ball

Photos by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

You’re in a system again that fits what you do best

Your free throw stroke looks smooth like butter

Your three point shot has passed all the early eye-tests

A tag-team with you and Jrue is heaven

Hope it puts opposing backcourts in offensive depression

Jahlil Okafor

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

You look happy again

And in the best shape of your life

In a league where big men are shrinking

You’re a giant when defended inside

Your defense has improved and you deserve minutes

We’ll sadly even settle for snippets

Nicolo Melli

Photos by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

You were unsure if your game translated

Seems as if you’ve found your niche

Just keep shooting Melli

And it will be hard to keep you tied to the bench

Josh Hart

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

You looked healthy in the Knicks game

Your confidence shined like your smile

If anyone questioned your rotation minutes

They surely won’t for awhile

You embraced the city boldly from day one

It’s time to embrace you in ways not already done

Kenrich Williams

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Maybe you’re “Kenny Hustle”

You could also be “Mr. does all of the little things”

It doesn’t always show up in box scores

But it shows with teams who win rings

Just keep shooting Kenny

The three is what we’re looking for

History tells us you’ll deliver that and much more

E’Twaun Moore

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Like a contested floater in the lane

You dropping in was a blessing

Our time could soon be up

But maybe not after one last session

Your shooting and experience reign supreme

But which guard will sit

If rotation minutes are destined to be

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

You make your own rules

Not the ones of a rookie

You could be the steal of the draft

If Pelicans Twitter is the judge and jury

But the jury’s out on you

No deliberation needed

We’ll see how high the bar can raise

Our expectations are already exceeded

You could lead the bench

You could close games

Maybe a Nickeil simply dimes wherever he aims

Zylan Cheatham

Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

If energy had a face it would be yours

If smiles designed homes, you’d give tours

The basketball floor you seem grateful for

We can’t wait until you get your shot

When that day comes

We know you’ll give it all you got

Josh Gray

Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

A confident blur with the ball

There’s fast and then there’s you

A twitching finish at the rim

It’s amazing what you do

The G-League is probably near

But you’ll attack it downhill

The pace is perfect for you

Shall we ever meet again

Zion Williamson

Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

Time flies

Whether we’re walking or running

Time flies

No matter if the days are gloomy or sunny

Time flies

Like the day you were drafted number one until now

Time flies

Like your pre-season where we repeatedly said how

Time flies

Even if everyday on the mend seems slow

Time flies

Can’t wait until you’re back apart of the show

Time flies

Like every leap you take against the lengthy

Time flies

We’ll see you soon and 100 percent healthy