In the early stages of what promises to be a challenging NBA season for the New Orleans Pelicans, the unfortunate combination of injuries and poor performance has landed them with a rocky 3-8 record. This marks a concerning continuation of last season's struggles, where the Pelicans failed to make it beyond the first round of the playoffs, having been swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Bruised Lineup
Central to New Orleans' difficulties is the absence of star player Zion Williamson, who is sidelined indefinitely due to a hamstring injury. Williamson's health has been a recurring concern for the Pelicans; despite managing to appear in 70 regular-season games last year, his directional impact on the court is missed during his current absence.
Joining Williamson in the injury category is guard Jose Alvarado, also out with a hamstring issue. The woes do not end there, as CJ McCollum deals with an adductor strain, and Herb Jones is on a two-to-four-week hiatus with a mild rotator cuff tear that began on October 29. Rounding out this assortment of injuries is Jordan Hawkins, who is contending with a back strain.
Defensive Deficiencies
The Pelicans' defensive struggles are evident with their ranking as the 29th team in defense across the NBA, shedding light on why they've lost eight of their last nine games by a combined margin of 126 points. This inability to secure stops on the defensive end exacerbates the issues arising from their injury-plagued roster.
Compounding the Pelicans' internal challenges are external factors such as the injury to Dejounte Murray, who broke his hand on opening night. Although this does not directly affect the Pelicans, the competition in the Western Conference grows stiffer with various team performances shifting as key players return, like Murray, who is expected to be back by late November.
Thinking Ahead
While this season may appear bleak for the Pelicans, the franchise is not devoid of future promise. Boasting seven first-round picks between 2025 and 2031, they hold valuable assets for long-term rebuilding or potential trading leverage. One particular highlight in their draft strategy is the swap rights with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026, a strategic component of the Jrue Holiday trade. However, for the 2025 pick to convey to New Orleans, it must fall within the top four.
Additional complexity is added with Brandon Ingram's contract set to expire, which could influence the team's strategic decisions both on and off the court as they navigate this transitional period. Decisions on extending contracts or considering trades might have a significant impact on the path the team chooses to embark in their rebuilding efforts.
Yet, with a significant portion of their team incapacitated by injuries and a defense that struggles to contain opponents, the Pelicans face an uphill battle. The immediate focus lies on leveraging their remaining healthy roster to remain competitive while they await the return of their key players.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Pelicans continue their pursuits in one of the most competitive leagues in sports, a testament to their resilience and commitment to building a successful future.