Why the New Orleans Pelicans Could Shock the NBA This Year

Last season was a disaster for the New Orleans Pelicans.

They finished 14th in the Western Conference; most of the team was injured last season, and they only managed to land the 7th pick in the lottery this year. Even with all of that going against the Pelicans, I think at worst they make the play-in, or best case finish in the top half of the West.

You might be confused why I’m so high on a team that only won 21 games last season, and has a win total of only 30.5. It’s Zion Williamson. What I’m about to say might be a little crazy given that it’s never really happened, but if Zion stays healthy, he’s easily a top 10 player in all of basketball. Of course, he’s rarely healthy, but when he is, he’s able to carry this Pelicans roster, a roster that is a lot better than people give credit to.

Maybe I’m the sucker for falling for the preseason cliche of “this player is in the best shape of his life”, but it seriously looks like Zion is in the best shape of his life.

Zion will be going into this season playing at a weight he hasn’t been at since high school. I think his being in shape is half the battle when it comes to keeping him on the court. And when he’s actually on the court, he simply wins games.

Last season, New Orleans was only 10-20 in games Zion played, but they’re 109-105 over the course of his career. Just one year before, they were 42-28 in the games he played. This Pelicans team around him is also very solid.

Trey Murphy is one of the more underrated wings in basketball, and if he’s healthy, he’s a great partner for Zion. He scored 21 PPG last season while shooting 36% from beyond the arc, while being one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

For their other wing, Herb Jones is looking to bounce back after an injury-filled 2024 season, which caused a lot of his struggles. You know he will still be a valuable defender, but if he can bounce back on offense, it will be massive for the Pelicans.

My biggest concern for New Orleans is the weird situation at the two starting guard positions. Dejounte Murray, once he’s healthy, and Jordan Poole will get the first go at those spots, and they have a ton of upside. Unfortunately, there’s a decent chance that we'll see way more of their downsides.

They also have their first round pick, Jeremiah Fears, for their future at point guard. I don’t love Fears’ fit with this team, as his lack of outside shooting causes a lot of concerns for me.

Lastly, I’m really intrigued by the front court of Yves Missi and Derik Queen when he returns from injury. They have tons of potential on offense and can round out some fun Pelicans lineups.

I’m really high on this Pelicans team, and I wouldn’t be afraid of betting their team totals for wins all the way up to 40+ (+575). Bet on Zion and get a great number on a Pelicans team that, if they’re healthy, will be a blast to watch.