New Orleans Pelicans Pivot!

Expectations for the New Orleans Pelicans were high. They traded for 2022 All-Star Dejounte Murray. Teaming up with other All-Stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. This made it seem like the Pelicans had a complete roster, but key players got injured when the season began, like young Trey Murphy III. Zion Williamson started having lower body problems which sidelined him. The New Orleans roster was all injured, and this showed everyone that the rebuild, which began in 2019, has failed. David Griffin needed a change as they weren't contenders. Ingram struggled with injuries for much of the season as he was up for a new contract that he didn't want to sign. And with Trey Murphy III killing it since coming back, the decision was easy to make as both parties went on their own way.

Since returning from his injury, Trey Murphy III has been outstanding. He’s averaging 22 points and 5 rebounds per game this season, and his is shooting stats are also impressive. He hits 37 percent from three-point range and 46 percent for field goal percentage, plus scoring 40 points in two straight games is impressive. Doing it against strong teams like the Nuggets and Celtics makes it even better. Trey Murphy III continues to show that he could be a future All Star in this league. His game is great to watch as he can handle the ball like a guard and create his shot from three. Along with finishing strong around the basket and being a spot-up three-point shooter. His contract is affordable, which is good for the Pelicans. He has a four-year deal worth $112 million. The opportunity for the young player has opened up with the Ingram getting trade. Trey being a solid foundation along with Herb Jones is ideal.

A shoulder injury has sidelined Herb Jones, which ends his season this year. That is a big loss as the Pelicans are missing their defensive anchor who can guard the best players. Herb can take away the passing lanes and guard isos and is great at getting steals. Now, with Ingram gone, he could develop his offensive game and be a great two-way player. He is on an affordable 53-million-dollar deal. The New Orleans team has another exciting player in Yves Missi.

Yves Missi has been one of the best rookies this year. He has shown himself to be a good role player this year. He is great at running the pick and roll with the ball handlers and finishing strong around the rim. Earning himself the Rookie of the Month honor with his play. He can run the floor and increase the pace of the game. The perfect foundation piece that New Orleans needs here on out. Zion Williamson has been a questionable choice. Herb, Murphy, and Missi are core players.

Coming back from injury, Zion Williamson has been on a tear. Showing the world why he was one of the biggest players to come this decade. It was wild to see him score 40 points on a 28-minute restriction. He played 27 minutes this month, averaged 26 points per game, and shot 62 percent from the field. This shows that when he's healthy, he’s a monster. Zion hasn't played every night in a row, even with his amazing performances.Williamson , when he plays, is incredible, but the fact remains that he is never healthy. This year was for him to show he can lead, but the usual injuries happened again. With the Pelicans tanking, it ensures that this team is not confident in building around him. They might consider Zion as the second or third choice. Meanwhile, they could draft a healthier lottery pick. One surprising move by NOLA was putting Zion on the trade market for talks. After the trade deadline, they committed to keeping Williamson for another year. Next season could show if Zion is a long-term player or if he will be traded to another team by the deadline.

The Pelicans could get a lottery pick as they continue to tank. There is a chance they land Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey as the future of their franchise. As the teams have gotten younger, they could secure a franchise-altering player. If they do, the Pelicans might be in the running for a playoff spot. This could put the organization in a great spot. The Anthony Davis trade fell through, especially with Ingram being sent to Toronto. Dejounte Murray tore his Achilles, ending his season. Meanwhile, Daniel Dyson has been key to Atlanta's success. New Orleans has prolonged their rebuild as other teams are competing.

Teams that began rebuilding when the Pelicans did are finding success. The Orlando Magic were able to take the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games. The Houston Rockets are one of the top three seeds. The other two are the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Pelicans had nowhere near the success. Stuck in the play-in, they often got eliminated in the first round and they lacked direction. NOLA pivoted away from Brandon Ingram and traded him away. Pelicans are moving away from Zion being the focal point of the team, and they have a solid foundation. Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi form a solid foundation. With the upcoming draft, the Pelicans can build a competitive team for next season.

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