The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in familiar territory early in the NBA season, struggling to find their footing with a 3-8 record. Hopes were high after the prior season, where the team narrowly missed the playoffs, only to be swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. This season, challenges have compounded, threatening to derail their aspirations.
Injury Woes
The Pelicans are no strangers to adversity, especially with injuries hampering their roster. Zion Williamson, a cornerstone of the team, is out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury. This absence is particularly significant considering Williamson's impact last season, where he played in 70 regular-season games, showcasing his potential as a transformative player. Joining him on the sidelines are pivotal players such as Jose Alvarado, also suffering from a hamstring injury, and CJ McCollum, out with an adductor strain. The lineup is further depleted with Herb Jones dealing with a mild rotator cuff tear, necessitating a two-to-four-week recovery since October 29, and Jordan Hawkins, who is sidelined with a back strain.
Defensive Struggles
The wave of injuries has inevitably affected the Pelicans' performance on the court, particularly their defense. Ranked 29th in defense across the NBA, the team's struggles have been palpable. In a disheartening statistic, they have lost eight of their last nine games by a combined 126 points, underscoring the steep climb they face to become competitive once more.
Off-Court Developments
Beyond the immediate on-court issues, the Pelicans are also navigating significant strategic decisions off the court. With Brandon Ingram’s contract approaching its expiration, decisions loom large about the direction the team wishes to take. On a brighter note, the Pelicans hold seven first-round picks between 2025 and 2031, potentially offering a robust foundation for future rebuilding efforts. Part of this strategic depth comes from their swap rights with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026, a vestige of the Jrue Holiday trade. However, for Milwaukee's 2025 pick to convey to New Orleans, it must fall within the top four, adding an element of unpredictability to their draft assets.
League-Wide Context
Amidst these struggles, one can look at former Pelican Dejounte Murray’s situation to draw parallels. Murray, who broke his hand on NBA opening night, is expected to return to his team by late November. The ability for any team to adapt and persevere through such adversities is central to establishing long-term success.
For the Pelicans, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. While their current record paints a bleak picture, the composition of their roster, once healthy, and their future draft capital provide a silver lining. As the NBA season progresses, the team's ability to weather these challenges will be critical, both for immediate performance and for the long-reaching implications on the franchise's trajectory. The Pelicans' mission is not just damage control in the present but also setting a course towards a sustainable and successful future.