New Orleans Pelicans Start the Season on a Rough Note
The New Orleans Pelicans are navigating through turbulent waters as they stumble to find their footing early in the NBA season. With a record of 3-8, the team finds itself grappling with multiple challenges, not least of which are injuries to several key players and a defense ranked 29th out of all NBA teams.
Fresh from missing last season’s playoffs, where they were unceremoniously swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, the Pelicans entered this season with hopes of rejuvenation and redemption. However, key players such as Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum have been sidelined indefinitely, casting shadows over the team's prospects.
Injury Woes
Zion Williamson, who tantalized fans last year with appearances in 70 regular-season games, is currently out with a hamstring injury. This absence leaves a significant gap in the Pelicans' frontline. Adding to the Pelicans’ woes is the loss of Jose Alvarado, also nursing a hamstring injury, and CJ McCollum, sidelined with an adductor strain. The injury report extends further, with Herb Jones facing a two-to-four-week recovery from a mild rotator cuff tear and Jordan Hawkins out with a back strain.
This troubling injury list forces the Pelicans into an undesirable situation, compelling the team to dig deep into its reserves just to maintain competitiveness. The consecutive losses have painted a bleak picture, with the team losing eight of their last nine outings by a cumulative 126 points.
Defensive Struggles
Defense has been another critical area of concern. Ranked 29th across the league, the Pelicans' defensive struggles reflect a lack of cohesion and coordination, especially in the absence of key players who might have offered some semblance of structure and resilience at the back end. To reverse this dismal defensive ranking, the Pelicans will need a tactical reset and a more concerted effort on the court.
Brandon Ingram and Future Investments
Looming over current adversity is the upcoming expiration of Brandon Ingram’s contract. As the team assesses its future trajectory, they are weighing their options regarding Ingram, a player who has been pivotal at many junctures for the Pelicans.
Looking beyond immediate concerns, the Pelicans have strategically accumulated draft assets that could prove transformative in the coming years. With seven first-round picks between 2025 and 2031, and swap rights with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026 as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, the Pelicans possess valuable bargaining chips that could reshape their fortunes down the line. There's anticipation that Milwaukee’s 2025 pick will fall into the top four, thus conveying additional benefits to New Orleans.
A Potential Turning Point?
Despite these setbacks, there is potential solace in the profile of Dejounte Murray, who broke his hand on opening night but is expected to rejoin his team by late November. Murray's anticipated return might inject a new dynamic for the Pelicans as they aim to shed their current underdog status.
The Pelicans’ immediate future hinges significantly on both tactical adjustments and a hopefully healthier squad. The franchise's blend of talent, combined with strategically acquired picks, promises a light at the end of what has been a cloudy start to their campaign. Pelicans fans yearn for the squad to harness this potential, recapturing the vigor that occasionally dazzles but has lately been elusive.