The New Orleans Pelicans are about to have a bounceback season after a disastrous marketing campaign in 2024-25.
New Orleans introduced veterans Jordan Poole and Sadiq Bey to city in alternate for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olinik.
The arrival of the pool will likely be enjoyable to look at because the lineup affords extra shot creation and playmaking.
The Pelicans additionally gained expertise, inside protection and rebound by signing middle Kevon Rooney, who was a former teammate of the Golden State Warriors pool.
In the meantime, the Pelican landed two younger gamers within the lottery.
After being within the lottery final season, the Pelicans will look to be aggressive once more.
The Western Convention will likely be extraordinarily powerful this season, however Pelicans head coach Willie Inexperienced is not going to step again.
Inexperienced was interviewed by ESPN senior author Mark Spears, and was requested, “What message do you may have for Pelican followers and the town of New Orleans about this crew?”
“The most important factor I wish to say is, at first, we’re very grateful for that help to both the followers or individuals who help us.
“The truth that they arrive to me and say something means they’re watching.
“We’re right here, so I will ask them to maintain watching and tighten your seat belt.”
If the Pelicans go far this season, they want a wholesome, absolutely engaged Zion Williamson.
Williamson is coming into his seventh NBA season after being chosen for the No. 1 general choose from Duke within the 2019 NBA Draft.
The 2-time All-Star had a robust marketing campaign in 2024-25, averaging 24.6 factors, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists, however as soon as once more he solely performed 30 video games, there was one other damage concern that saved him out of the lineup.
Since coming into the league, Williamson has performed simply greater than twice, having injured greater than 30 video games within the season. His weight and conditioning are additionally beneath query.
Nonetheless, on the Pelicans’ Media Day, Williamson seems to be considerably slimmer, saying, “It feels good to really feel good. I have not felt this fashion since faculty.”
If the Pelican needs to be related this season, all of it begins with Williamson availability.
