Purposeful tanking is out of the question, as the New Orleans Pelicans removed their safety net by trading away their unprotected 2026 first-rounder on draft night. That pick, which went to Atlanta in the deal for Derik Queen, is actually the worst of New Orleans’ or the Milwaukee Bucks. If the Pels suffer myriad injuries again and sink toward the bottom of the West, their only shot at salvation would be an even bigger catastrophe in Milwaukee.
Aside from the lack of incentive to lose by design, the Pels simply can’t endure a second straight season of pervasive injury. Fate can’t be that cruel twice in a row.
Zion Williamson is a separate issue; he should be expected to miss 50-plus games until he changes the narrative by staying healthy. Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones should be able to provide more than 53 and 20 games, respectively.
Even if Jordan Poole’s swashbuckling shot selection and turnover woes aren’t your cup of tea, he’ll easily provide more production than Dejounte Murray did a year ago. While Murray himself may not contribute until 2026 as he recovers from a torn Achilles, it’s encouraging to note that he’s already dunking in rehab.
The West is a minefield, and the Pelicans probably won’t be a playoff team. But they suffered through a hellish season last year that only resulted in 21 wins. They could double that number without much trouble.