Are the Pelicans the best team in the NBA right now?
No, and I don't even think they've played the best overall. I would give that nod to Denver (though I don't think they are the best team either). Denver's defense has been awesome on the year and the offense isn't too shabby. Golden State is still the best team though, but they might not end up with the best record because they don't care about such things as they know they can win any series on anyone's floor.
Right now, I think Toronto ends up with the most wins in the league by the end of the year. They look fantastic and better than last year's team that won the east and had the 2nd best record in basketball. I don't know that that makes them the best team, per se, but if you are what your record is, they would be in the discussion.