By Joel Perez 
The New Orleans Pelicans have undoubtedly been one of the most disappointing teams to start
the season. After 23 games, they sit at 5-18, languishing at the bottom of the Western
Conference standings and 28th overall in the league—only ahead of the Washington Wizards
and the Utah Jazz. Washington and Utah however, have a clear explanation for their struggles:
a lack of talent across the roster. In contrast, the Pelicans’ issues stem from the
underperformance of a roster brimming with talent that has yet to meet expectations for a team
with this level of potential.
At the center of those expectations is Zion Williamson, a young superstar once projected to
become the next big thing in the NBA. His immense talent and electrifying play make him a
standout when he’s healthy. Zion has already displayed flashes of his potential, earning an
All-Star selection and even securing a signature shoe deal with Jordan Brand. However, the
time has come for him to block out the noise and focus on leading his team to wins.
The Pelicans’ disastrous start to the season can largely be attributed to Zion’s inability to stay on
the court. A lingering left hamstring injury has limited him to just six games this season, leaving
the team without its centerpiece and struggling to find its rhythm. While Zion is a critical part of
the equation, the Pelicans also face uncertainty with another star on their roster: Brandon
Ingram.
Ingram is a proven scorer in the league, showcasing the ability to take over games offensively.
His talent is undeniable, but he has yet to progress past the first round of the playoffs, appearing
in only 10 playoff games throughout his seven-year NBA career. Since joining New Orleans,
Ingram has consistently averaged over 20 points per game. Unfortunately, like Zion, he has also
struggled with injuries, often missing key stretches of the season. This lack of availability has
prevented the Pelicans from establishing a consistent offensive rhythm, leaving their season
ambitions perpetually derailed.
This past summer, the Pelicans made a major trade, acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta
Hawks in exchange for two first-round picks in 2025 and 2027, along with players Larry Nance
Jr. and Dyson Daniels. Daniels, an early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), had
already shown flashes of elite defensive potential during his time with New Orleans. Now, fully
unleashed with the Hawks, Daniels is proving to be one of the best defenders in the league,
consistently neutralizing opposing primary scorers. Leading the league in steals and averaging
an impressive 3 per game, he has solidified his reputation as a defensive phenom for years to
come.
Murray, the centerpiece of the trade, has only managed to appear in seven games this season
and hasn’t yet shown much to be excited about on either side of the ball. Still, I’m confident that
at some point, Dejounte will find his stride and return to being the great two-way player he
developed into with the Spurs and Hawks. While the trade may currently look
questionable—especially with Daniels thriving in Atlanta and the Pelicans surrendering two
future picks—there’s still plenty of upside when you consider pairing Murray’s talent with the rest
of New Orleans’ core.
Take Herb Jones, for instance—easily one of the top defenders in the league. Jones can slot
into virtually any position on the court, and any coach would trust his defensive abilities against
the league’s elite offensive players. Locked into a team-friendly deal for the next three years,
Herb is an essential part of the Pelicans’ future. Then there’s Trey Murphy III, who recently
signed an extension worth up to $112 million over the next four years. Murphy is one of the
league’s most intriguing young players, with a diverse skill set on both ends of the court. He can
shoot from deep with ease while also attacking the rim with dunks and excellent finishing ability.
Murphy’s size and defensive versatility make him the ideal two-way wing that every team
covets, capable of switching on defense and holding his own against elite offensive playmakers.
The Pelicans have no shortage of talent across the roster—and that’s not even mentioning
UConn standout Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins started the season shooting the lights out and
showing real promise, but his progress has been derailed by regression and injuries that have
sidelined him for more than half the season so far. Yves Missi, a sneaky-good draft pick at No.
21, has been thrust into a significant role as one of the team’s only viable options at center,
especially with Daniel Theis well past his prime. Missi’s development will be key, given the
Pelicans’ glaring need for consistent play at the center position.
When healthy, this team boasts a solid 8-9 players who can compete against some of the
league’s most talented groups. However, getting back into the playoff picture—or even the
play-in tournament—would require a monumental turnaround, especially with the injuries and
potential drama looming over this roster. Brandon Ingram, for instance, is a free agent on the
horizon and recently signed with Klutch Sports, which likely signals that he and his camp are
eyeing a new opportunity to maximize his earnings and showcase his skills elsewhere.
Despite all this upside, I’d be remiss not to mention the veteran who has been the team’s most
reliable presence this season, averaging a solid 21 points per game. If the Pelicans’ struggles
persist, he may become one of the most intriguing trade targets at the deadline. Given his
presumed desire to be part of a winning situation, he has consistently done his part to keep the
team afloat through years of inconsistency and losing. He deserves better for his contributions
and could play a pivotal role on a contending team.
Take the Denver Nuggets, for example—they could use another offensive playmaker to
complement their roster. Or perhaps even a reunion with Dame in Milwaukee could bring
additional firepower to the Bucks. However, moving CJ McCollum might prove tricky due to his
significant cap hit in the mid-$30 million range. That said, in today’s NBA, it feels like anything is
possible, so who knows?
The Pelicans may have to reinvent themselves on the fly due to this disappointing season. Once
all the dominoes fall, this group might have a chance to contend in the future. But as for this
season? That feels unlikely—barring a miracle.
Angel Rivera