New Orleans Pelicans Face Early Season Struggles Amidst Injury Woes
The early weeks of the NBA season have been challenging for the New Orleans Pelicans, as evidenced by their disappointing 3-8 record. A combination of injuries and defensive shortcomings has left the team struggling to find its footing, raising questions about their future prospects this season.
Last year, the Pelicans failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs, being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hopes for a turnaround this season have been dampened by a slew of injuries to key players. Notably, Zion Williamson is out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury. Williamson, who played in 70 games last season, has been a critical player for the Pelicans, and his absence is keenly felt on both ends of the court.
The injury list does not stop with Williamson. Jose Alvarado is also sidelined with a hamstring issue, while CJ McCollum is dealing with an adductor strain. The team’s defensive stalwart, Herb Jones, is on a two-to-four-week hiatus following a mild rotator cuff tear sustained on October 29. Adding to their woes, Jordan Hawkins is out with a back strain, leaving the team shorthanded in their quest to improve their season record.
Compounding the Pelicans' problems is their defensive ranking. Currently, they sit at 29th in defense across the NBA, a statistic that underscores their struggles. The team has lost eight of their last nine games by a combined margin of 126 points, highlighting the pressing need for defensive adjustments.
The injuries and defensive lapses have forced the Pelicans to rely heavily on their remaining key players, placing undue pressure on them to perform. However, there is a silver lining for the team, as they possess a considerable number of first-round draft picks—seven between 2025 and 2031. These picks, along with swap rights with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026 as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, provide a significant opportunity for the team to rebuild and strengthen their roster.
Additionally, the Pelicans have a vested interest in Milwaukee's 2025 draft outcome, as the pick must fall within the top four for it to convey to New Orleans. This potential future asset could prove instrumental in reshaping the team's fortunes.
Brandon Ingram’s contract status adds another layer of complexity to the Pelicans’ situation. With his contract expiring, the team faces critical decisions about his future, weighing the possibilities of retaining him or seeking alternatives that align with their long-term strategy.
As the NBA season progresses, the Pelicans must navigate their current challenges while strategically planning for the future. Their ability to rebound from an injury-plagued start and shore up their defense will determine whether they can salvage the season or if focus will inevitably shift to leveraging their abundant draft assets for rebuilding.
For now, the Pelicans and their fans must endure an uncertain journey, with the hope that a healthier roster and improved performance will usher in brighter days. Their expansive draft capital remains a beacon of potential, offering hope that the team's fortunes can be reinvigorated through strategic management and future opportunities.