Pelicans at a Crossroads: Internal Growth, Mosley’s New Direction, and the Fight to Rebuild Around Zion and a Rising Young Core
A Franchise Betting on Development, Stability, and a New Voice on the Sideline
The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2026‑27 season with a clear — and risky — organizational choice: run it back with a 26‑win roster and trust that internal growth will lift them out of the Western Conference basement.
Rather than overhaul the roster, New Orleans doubled down on its young core, banking on meaningful leaps from Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, both of whom flashed promise as rookies. Their development is central to the franchise’s future, especially after the Pelicans sacrificed their 2026 first‑round pick to trade up for Queen last year.
The Pelicans also hired Jamahl Mosley, whose tenure in Orlando was defined by player development, defensive structure, and guiding young stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. New Orleans hopes Mosley can replicate that growth curve with Fears, Queen, and a roster that has ranked bottom‑10 defensively for two straight seasons.
Around the young core, the Pelicans will again rely heavily on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Dejounte Murray, with newly acquired Bennedict Mathurin expected to add scoring and rim pressure. But if internal growth stalls, Murray’s name will surface quickly at the trade deadline.
Breakout Candidate: Herbert Jones
Herbert Jones was once one of the NBA’s premier young defenders — a 2024 First‑Team All‑Defense selection whose length, anticipation, and versatility made him indispensable. But over the past two seasons, his growth stalled, and his offensive regression (31% from three) limited his impact.
At 28, Jones is entering his prime. This season is pivotal: either he reclaims his place among elite perimeter stoppers and improves his shooting, or he becomes a trade‑market question mark. If Jones rebounds, the Pelicans’ defense — and their rebuild — stabilizes.
Number to Know: 58%
New Orleans attempted 58% of its shots in the paint last season — the highest rate in the NBA. Zion Williamson alone accounted for 791 paint attempts, converting 60.3%, his best mark in three years.
But despite Zion’s efficiency, the Pelicans shot just 55.4% in the paint as a team, the league’s second‑worst mark. Herbert Jones, Micah Peavy, and Jordan Poole all shot below 50% on at least 100 paint attempts. Mathurin’s career paint efficiency (51.5%) won’t solve the issue, but his ability to draw fouls may help overall scoring efficiency.
Five Must‑See Matchups
- Oct. 21: Pelicans vs. Pacers — Season opener, Mathurin faces his former team, and Mosley debuts as head coach.
- Nov. 6: Pelicans vs. Timberwolves — Zion vs. Anthony Edwards: two No. 1 picks with diverging career arcs.
- Nov. 18: Pelicans vs. Pistons — Start of a tough three‑game stretch against Detroit, OKC, and San Antonio.
- Nov. 29: Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers — Zion and Ja Morant, the 2019 No. 1 and No. 2 picks, meet again.
- Feb. 2: Pelicans vs. Magic — Mosley returns to Orlando, where he built a playoff team over three seasons.
Preseason Storylines
1. Mosley’s Cultural Reset
Mosley’s arrival is the most important offseason move. New Orleans needs defensive structure, accountability, and developmental consistency — all hallmarks of Mosley’s Orlando tenure.
2. Fears and Queen’s Expanded Roles
Neither played in Summer League, but both are expected to take on larger responsibilities immediately. Their progression will determine the franchise’s trajectory.
3. Zion’s Availability
Williamson played over 60 games last season for just the third time in his career. His health remains the biggest swing factor in the Pelicans’ competitiveness.
4. Mathurin’s Fit
Mathurin brings scoring and aggression but must improve paint efficiency. His ability to get to the line could help stabilize the offense.
5. Defensive Identity
New Orleans has finished bottom‑10 defensively for two straight seasons. Mosley’s system — and Jones’ potential resurgence — will be critical.
A Team Banking on Patience, Development, and a New Voice
The Pelicans didn’t chase splashy moves. They didn’t overhaul the roster. They didn’t force a timeline. Instead, they bet on growth, health, and Mosley’s leadership.
It’s a gamble — but one that could pay off if Fears, Queen, and Jones rise, Zion stays healthy, and Mathurin integrates smoothly. If not, New Orleans may find itself facing another reset by midseason.
