The New Orleans Pelicans are once again going into a new season with fresh talent, re-loading with younger guys alongside the mainstays. As per usual in the Big Easy, though, health is an enormous obstacle. Even non-Pels fans are proabably hoping they finally get through a season healthy.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Pelicans enter 2025–26 with a noticeably younger and retooled roster, signaling a semi-rebuild while still keeping one foot in playoff contention. Veterans CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk were shipped out, and in return came the considerably youthful Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, both of whom bring scoring and energy but also inconsistency.
In the draft, New Orleans snagged two collegiate standouts – Jeremiah Fears, a crafty, explosive guard, and Derik Queen, a skilled and mobile big who fits today’s modern frontcourt mold. They also brought in Kevon Looney, a proven veteran presence known for his defense and rebounding.
Perhaps the most encouraging development is Zion Williamson’s reported weight loss, but as always, maintaining it through an 82-game grind remains the real challenge. Overall, the Pelicans are younger, faster, and more unpredictable, which could mean anything from a big leap forward to another frustrating season of what-ifs.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS
The Pelicans’ biggest obstacle hasn’t changed: health. For years, it has been the theme of every preseason, and unfortunately, that streak continues. From the mainstays to the recent acquisitions, like Dejounte Murray, have all struggled to stay on the floor. Dyson Daniels once joked that “there’s something down in the water [in New Orleans]” – and ironically, the guy he was traded for, Murray, managed only 31 games in 2024-25 after five straight seasons of considerably durable campaigns.
Beyond injuries, there’s also growing tension surrounding head coach Willie Green, whose seat is heating up after multiple disappointing campaigns. Can he finally find the right balance between star management and lineup consistency? Or will this be the year management looks elsewhere for a new voice? Between lingering injuries, new faces, and job pressure, this is shaping up to be a defining season in New Orleans.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
All eyes remain on Zion Williamson, because when healthy, he’s a top-10 talent, a one-man wrecking crew capable of bullying defenses and sparking highlights on cue. The question, as always, is durability. If he can log 65+ games, the Pelicans immediately become a tougher matchup.
Trey Murphy III is another key piece. Once a regular ‘3 and D’ guy, he made major strides as a scorer last year, averaging over 21 points per game and flashing improved shot creation before injuries slowed him down. With McCollum gone, Murphy has a golden opportunity to solidify himself as a legitimate second option. Then, there’s Jordan Poole, a volatile but explosive guard whose fresh start could revive his confidence and flair. If he plays within the system, his scoring punch could be a huge boost. Meanwhile, youngsters like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will get chances early.
Defensive stalwart Herb Jones deserves a mention as well. He was limited to 20 outings last season after earning an All-Defensive team nod in 2023-24, but he appears healthy now. He’ll find his rhythm soon enough.
REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN
On paper, there’s plenty to like. The Pelicans boast one of the league’s most diverse rosters, a blend of explosive athleticism, shooting, and young energy. Williamson, Poole, and Murphy are all capable of scoring 20+ on any given night, and the bench has solid veterans like Looney to stabilize the chaos. The optimism lies in the potential of it all – again, if they can finally stay healthy, this group could easily sneak into the playoff mix or better. But that’s a massive if. The injury bug has haunted New Orleans for years, derailing every promising start. Add to that the absence of a clear-cut alpha – there’s no true “takeover” guy when games tighten – and it’s fair to wonder who steps up when things go south. This team’s ceiling is high, but so is its fragility.
