Pelicans Revamp Roster for Strong 2025-26 Season Comeback
The New Orleans Pelicans have officially revamped their roster for the 2025-26 season, unveiling a lineup that includes six key players not present last year. This shake-up comes as the team aims to bounce back from their disappointing 21-61 record, making significant changes to improve overall performance.
Roster Changes for a Strong Comeback
The Pelicans’ first game is set for Wednesday against Memphis, featuring a lineup that looks markedly different from last season. Projected starters such as Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herbert Jones collectively missed 143 games last season due to injuries, which severely impacted the team’s performance.
This year, new acquisitions and returning players give fourth-year coach Willie Green a fresh opportunity to lead the team toward a more successful season. The goal is to replicate their previous performance of 49-33, which currently stands as a benchmark for excellence in franchise history.
Key Players to Watch
Here are some notable players on the Pelicans’ opening-day roster:
- Zion Williamson: A two-time All-Star, he remains crucial to the team’s offense. His absence last season was a significant factor in the team’s struggles.
- Herbert Jones: An all-NBA defender, Jones plays a vital role in the team’s defense and has consistently improved his scoring.
- Yves Missi: As a 20-year-old rookie last season, he led in games played and starts, though he now shares the load with new acquisitions.
- Trey Murphy: Known for his shooting ability, he has expanded his game and will be instrumental on offense.
- Jordan Poole: Acquired to bolster scoring, he will likely have to step up early in the season due to injuries within the team.
- Jose Alvarado: Bringing energy off the bench, his contributions have proven valuable over his four seasons in the league.
Injuries Impacting the Start of the Season
As the season opens, injuries are already affecting the lineup. Key players such as Dejounte Murray and Kevon Looney are sidelined, which may challenge the team’s depth and adaptability initially. Murray’s return from Achilles surgery is uncertain but could significantly impact the Pelicans’ mid-season performance.
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | F | Healthy |
| Herbert Jones | G/F | Healthy |
| Trey Murphy | G/F | Healthy |
| Dejounte Murray | G | Injured |
| Kavon Looney | F/C | Injured |
| Derik Queen | F/C | Injured |
With an emphasis on teamwork and communication, Coach Willie Green is optimistic about the new roster’s potential. He believes this group has the capability to build strong connections on the court and achieve a promising start to the season.
As the Pelicans embark on this new chapter, the integration of new and returning players will be pivotal in determining their success for the 2025-26 season. Only time will tell if they can turn their fortunes around and compete for a playoff spot once again.
