ESPN thinks the New Orleans Pelicans are doomed for another bottom finish, but this team just made some massive moves! With new talent and strategic shifts, could this be the year they shock the NBA? Get the breakdown on how the Pelicans plan to soar past expectations!
The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season with significant roster adjustments, aiming to defy pre-season expectations and establish themselves as a formidable force in the competitive Western Conference outlook. Despite a flurry of strategic trades and key draft acquisitions, early projections from sports insiders, including ESPN, paint a picture of another challenging year, predicting the team will once again hover near the bottom of the standings. This outlook, however, ignites a crucial question: what exactly needs to align for New Orleans to not only meet but dramatically exceed these conservative forecasts?
The offseason has seen a notable overhaul of the Pelicans’ lineup. Key veteran departures include Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and Bruce Brown, signaling a clear shift in team strategy and a commitment to retooling for the future. These moves, while potentially disruptive in the short term, were executed with an eye towards fostering new talent and creating a more cohesive, adaptable squad capable of sustained success.
To counteract the loss of experienced players, New Orleans made impactful additions. The 2025 draft brought in two promising lottery selections, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, injecting youth and potential into the core. Furthermore, the acquisition of two seasoned Golden State Warriors champions, Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney, provides invaluable playoff experience and a proven winning mentality, instantly elevating the team’s floor and leadership quotient. Poole, in particular, is expected to step into a more prominent offensive role.
Despite these substantial changes and apparent improvements, ESPN’s recent analysis projects the Pelicans to secure the 14th seed in the Western Conference with a projected record of 26-56. This forecast, a mere five-game improvement from the previous season, underscores the perceived strength of the Western Conference and highlights the significant challenges New Orleans faces in climbing the standings. Such a prediction, while seemingly bleak, also sets a clear benchmark for the team to rally against.
A critical component of outperforming these modest expectations lies in optimizing the offensive roles of key players. For instance, if the organization is committed to retaining Zion Williamson future, they must empower him with the ball in his hands, maximizing his unique blend of athleticism and scoring ability. The integration of Jordan Poole is particularly intriguing; his offensive capabilities should provide an upgrade over the departed McCollum, allowing for a strategic shift where Trey Murphy III could potentially inherit a role similar to Brandon Ingram’s previous responsibilities, highlighting the impact of recent Pelicans roster moves.
Should Trey Murphy III potential be given the green light to take 17-18 shots per game, all while maintaining his invaluable off-ball contributions, he possesses the potential to emerge as a genuine All-Star candidate. His breakout could be a significant catalyst, propelling the Pelicans into the NBA Playoff Race by the season’s midway point. This increased offensive load, coupled with his established defensive prowess, could transform New Orleans into a more balanced and unpredictable offensive unit.
Beyond offensive adjustments, significant improvements are imperative on the defensive end. Last season, New Orleans struggled profoundly on both sides of the court, ranking among the league’s worst defensive teams. Head coach Willie Green faces the crucial task of consistently deploying the most effective defensive lineups, prioritizing fit and synergy over raw talent alone. Achieving defensive consistency will be paramount to their success.
To truly escape the lower echelons of the Western Conference standings, a strategic approach to player rotations will be essential. While rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen hold immense long-term potential, Head Coach Green might need to lean more heavily on seasoned veterans like Jose Alvarado and Kevon Looney in crucial moments to secure immediate wins. This tactical decision could provide the stability and experience needed to navigate the demanding NBA schedule and improve their win-loss record.
Ultimately, the 2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans season hinges on their ability to integrate new talent, redefine roles for existing stars, and implement a robust two-way game plan. The path to a play-in or even a postseason berth is challenging but not insurmountable, provided the team can coalesce around a shared vision and execute with consistent intensity. Their performance will undoubtedly be one of the more compelling narratives of the upcoming NBA campaign.
