Zion Williamson and Injuries Plague Early Season Struggles for the Pelicans
As the new NBA season unfolds, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves navigating turbulent waters. With a disappointing 3-8 start, the team is struggling to recapture the form needed to make a playoff push after last year’s early exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The losses are piling up, and a roster hampered by injuries further complicates matters.
Injury Crisis
At the core of the Pelicans' current woes is the absence of Zion Williamson. After proving to be a cornerstone by participating in 70 regular-season games last year, Williamson is currently sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury. His presence on the court is sorely missed, affecting both the team's morale and on-court performance. The void he leaves is compounded by several other critical absences.
Jose Alvarado, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones are also out of commission, each grappling with their respective injuries. Alvarado shares Williamson's fate with a hamstring issue, while McCollum faces challenges from an adductor strain. Jones will be out for two to four weeks following a mild rotator cuff tear that occurred on October 29. Adding to the team's injury report is Jordan Hawkins, who is dealing with a back strain.
Defensive Struggles
Without these key players, the Pelicans’ defense has been porous, ranking 29th across the NBA. This defensive fragility has been brutally exposed, as evidenced by losing eight of their last nine games with a cumulative deficit of 126 points. Such statistics illustrate the significant gaps in their defenses, which opponents are eager to exploit.
Missing Pieces
The troubles besetting the Pelicans are multidimensional. Beyond injuries and defensive inefficacies, they are also on the brink of contractual and strategic decision-making. Brandon Ingram, a vital piece of their offensive engine, is nearing the end of his current contract. Decisions on how to move forward with his presence on the team will likely influence the Pelicans' long-term strategies.
Moreover, their future potential assets are worth noting. With seven first-round picks between 2025 and 2031, the Pelicans have room to maneuver in future drafts. Included in these assets are swap rights with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026 — a part of the Jrue Holiday trade. However, for Milwaukee’s 2025 pick to convey to New Orleans, it must fall within the top four. These future picks could form the bedrock of a robust rebuild or an avenue for impactful trades to strengthen the roster immediately.
League Landscape
A glance around the league shows signs of optimism for some. Dejounte Murray, who fractured his hand on opening night, is anticipated to return by late November, providing a silver lining amidst the injury clouds hovering across various teams.
Outlook
The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads. While their current on-court struggles are significant, their wealth of future draft picks positions them well for drafting emerging talents or making pivotal trades. However, the immediate goal must be addressing their defensive frailties and managing the injuries that have plagued their lineup early in the season. How they navigate this chapter will be critical in shaping their competitiveness in a league that waits for no team.