The Pelicans are on the upward slope. In the Bayou, we have indeed progressed since the end of the Anthony Davis era: 30 victories in 2020 (in the 7th match), then 31 (still out of 72 matches in 2020/21), then 36, 42 and 49 last season , approaching 60% victories. The problem is that the West is always denser and that this record close to 50 successes which would have earned a 3rd place in the conference in 2023 “only” offered seventh place to NOLA last May, for a exit in the first round of the playoffs by a “sweep” from the Thunder.
A small step forward after missing the final stages the previous season, but confirmation of a ceiling still difficult to break in the “Wild Wild West”.
The absence of Zion Williamson and the missed series offensively by Brandon Ingram, among others, were too much to make Oklahoma City doubt. So the Louisiana franchise made a decision, by attracting the services of a new major player with Dejounte Murray. The former Hawks player comes to strengthen a back base that has until now been a bit baroque, with CJ McCollum as main manager, he who is not a “professional” leader.
Dejounte Murray fills this gap, he himself had to migrate to the fullback position alongside Trae Young in Atlanta. The tinkering therefore continues for coach Willie Green with a squad at a crossroads. Brandon Ingram was not extended this summer and is entering his last year of contract, just like Trey Murphy III, while CJ McCollum is only contracted until 2026. The new hard core of the Pelicans will have to act quickly his evidence, or he could quickly change his face again.
If the Dejounte Murray trade was a small cost to the current roster, the loss of Jonas Valanciunas could be more problematic. New Orleans only has rookie Yves Missi and veteran Daniel Theis at position 5, while the wings are full with Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, but also time to find for Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III, who were until then there the best defenders in the squad with Dyson Daniels, sent to the Hawks. The Pelicans will have to find the right adjustments and hope to get through the injury-related drops.
SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: Jamal Cain (two-way), Javonte Green, Trey Jamison (two-way), Yves Missi, Dejounte Murray, Antonio Reeves, Daniel Theis
Departures: Dyson Daniels, EJ Liddell, Naji Marshall, Larry Nance Jr, Jonas Valanciunas, Cody Zeller
PLAYER TO FOLLOW: ZION WILLIAMSON
After a summer of 2023 with multiple transfer rumors, the offseason this time was calm for the “Pels” star. The opposite of what his season could be. Capable of dominating a match like few players in the league, the former university star also shines with his inconsistency in all respects: injuries, fitness weight, concentration and even investment, particularly defensively. This cocktail must end if New Orleans wants to get closer to the heights of the West, and Zion Williamson meet the XXL expectations that were placed on him.
The next few months seem all the more pivotal for the player, as for his team, as “Zion” could be used even more as a pivot in a “small ball” five as much out of necessity as out of interest.
The racket is poor enough to deprive itself of such a physical asset. Above all, the Pelicans showed some promise with the former Duke player as a pivot who can push the pace and force the opposing interiors away from the circle. Zion Williamson, on the other hand, will have to be much more concerned with rebounding, as well as in circle protection, so that the Pelicans can hold their own over time with such a configuration. His return with All-Star status will also probably go through this.
Average age: 25.2 years
Payroll: $172.4 million (12e)
THE IDEAL SCENARIO
The contribution of Dejounte Murray can change a lot of things for the Pelicans, who are finally getting a player capable of distributing the game, especially on the half court. The former Spurs' managerial quality could relieve Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram of some of the offensive responsibilities, while freeing up more good positions for CJ McCollum, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. The deal could be a win-win, especially since Dejounte Murray will also bring his intensity to an already solid defense. Enough to raise the floor level of the Pelicans, who were already on the right track from an accounting point of view over the seasons.
As long as the responsibilities are well established and distributed, New Orleans could count on three players above 20 points every night, while relying on a slew of very serious complementary players. Especially since the Zion Williamson experience as a pivot was rather conclusive at the end of last season and could therefore allow the team to vary the dangers, to continue to climb the hierarchy in the West.
THE WORST SCENARIO
Dejounte Murray in addition to Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram or CJ McCollum, is also another player who needs the ball to exist. Certainly, the summer recruit spent his last two years next to Trae Young, but his integration will only make sense if he really develops as a more traditional leader.
This can also be to the detriment of the pieces already in the squad, notably Zion Williamson. As for Brandon Ingram, his sulky attitude in the summer – where he responded to his non-extension by not responding to the summons for an informal training camp led by the rest of the squad – would do nothing from very good to a group that has already not been very stable in recent seasons.
The Pels will also have to be wary of their infirmary, with several accustomed to physical problems of all kinds. If the “major eight” by adding José Alvarado looks rather good, the depth of the roster raises serious questions. An injury to Zion Williamson would be very costly in the paint, unless NOLA is active in the transfer market again, particularly around Brandon Ingram. Yves Missi could quickly be given responsibility with significant playing time for a beginner, who is more of a medium-term project. So many small grains of sand that could seriously disrupt the Pelicans' flight.
