The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for the 2024-25 NBA season with a roster overhaul aimed at breaking their playoff drought. The biggest splash came with the acquisition of Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks. Murray, a former All-Star, is expected to bring much-needed playmaking and defensive prowess to the Pelicans’ backcourt, enhancing their offensive and defensive schemes.
In addition to Murray, the Pelicans retained their core players, including Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, although Ingram’s future remains somewhat uncertain amid ongoing contract negotiations. The team also made strategic picks in the draft, selecting promising talents to bolster their depth. These moves reflect a clear strategy to surround their star players with the necessary support to compete at a high level in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Point Guards
Dejounte Murray, Jose Alvarado
The addition of Dejounte Murray has been the highlight of the Pelicans' offseason. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks, Murray brings elite playmaking, defensive skills, and leadership to New Orleans. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. His presence is expected to elevate the team's backcourt, providing much-needed support for their offensive and defensive strategies.
Jose Alvarado, known for his tenacity and defensive prowess, continues to be a key part of the Pelicans' lineup. In the 2023-24 season, Alvarado averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His energy and ability to disrupt opposing offenses make him a valuable asset off the bench. With Murray and Alvarado, the Pelicans have a dynamic and versatile duo at the point guard position, capable of controlling the game's tempo and providing consistent defensive pressure.
This combination of Murray's all-around game and Alvarado's defensive intensity positions the Pelicans' backcourt to be one of the most formidable in the league, setting the stage for a potentially deep playoff run in the 2024-25 season.
Shooting Guards
CJ McCollum, Jordan Hawkins
CJ McCollum continues to be a vital part of the Pelicans' offense. Last season, McCollum averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.7% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. His ability to create his own shot and score efficiently from all areas of the court makes him a crucial asset for New Orleans. McCollum's veteran presence and scoring prowess will be key in leading the Pelicans’ backcourt alongside Dejounte Murray.
Jordan Hawkins, entering his second season, showed promise as a reliable shooting guard. Last season, Hawkins averaged 7.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, shooting 39.6% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. His sharp shooting and ability to space the floor will be essential for the Pelicans' offensive schemes. As he continues to develop, Hawkins is expected to play a more significant role in the rotation, providing depth and scoring off the bench.
With McCollum’s scoring ability and Hawkins’ shooting, the Pelicans have a strong and versatile duo at the shooting guard position, ready to contribute to their playoff ambitions in the 2024-25 season.
Small Forwards
Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram remains a crucial component of the Pelicans' lineup. Last season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. His ability to score efficiently and facilitate for his teammates makes him indispensable to the team's offensive flow. Ingram's versatility allows him to play multiple positions, providing the Pelicans with flexibility in their lineups.
Herb Jones continues to be a key defensive presence for the Pelicans. Known for his tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions, Jones averaged 9.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game last season. His defensive skills, combined with his improving offensive game, make him a valuable two-way player. Jones' ability to disrupt opposing offenses and contribute on the scoring end will be vital for the Pelicans' success in the upcoming season.
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Power Forwards
Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Zion Williamson is the cornerstone of the Pelicans' frontcourt. Last season, Williamson averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing his dominant presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to score efficiently and facilitate for his teammates is crucial for the Pelicans’ success. Williamson's health and consistency will be key factors as the team looks to make a deep playoff run this season.
Trey Murphy III continues to develop as a versatile forward for the Pelicans. Known for his shooting and defensive capabilities, Murphy averaged 14.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him an ideal complement to Williamson in the frontcourt. Murphy's improvement on both ends of the floor is expected to be a significant boost for the Pelicans.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who joined the Pelicans in the 2023-24 season, adds depth to the power forward position. He averaged 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in limited minutes. His versatility and defensive prowess will be valuable assets off the bench, providing the Pelicans with additional options in their frontcourt rotation.
Centers
Daniel Theis, Yves Missi
Daniel Theis is a seasoned veteran who joined the Pelicans this offseason. Last season, Theis averaged 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game, while shooting 53.2% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc. His experience and defensive abilities add valuable depth to the Pelicans' frontcourt. Theis's role will be crucial in providing stability and mentorship to the younger players while contributing significant minutes off the bench.
Yves Missi, a promising young talent, is set to make his mark in the NBA with the Pelicans. Known for his athleticism and shot-blocking prowess, Missi brings energy and defensive intensity to the team. As he develops his skills and adapts to the NBA level, Missi is expected to provide valuable minutes and support the team's defensive schemes, adding a dynamic presence in the paint.
Can The Pelicans Make A Deep Run This Time?
The New Orleans Pelicans are poised for a potentially deep playoff run in the 2024-25 season, thanks to a series of strategic moves and key player developments. The acquisition of Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks adds a dynamic playmaker and elite defender to the backcourt, significantly boosting both their offensive and defensive capabilities. Murray’s presence alongside CJ McCollum creates a formidable backcourt duo that can control the tempo and score efficiently.
Zion Williamson, if he can stay healthy, remains the cornerstone of the team. His ability to dominate inside and facilitate for teammates is crucial for the Pelicans' success. Pairing him with emerging star Trey Murphy III provides the team with a versatile and potent offensive frontcourt.
The return of key veterans like Brandon Ingram and the addition of defensive stalwart Herb Jones add stability and experience to the roster. Ingram’s scoring and playmaking, combined with Jones’s defensive prowess, give the Pelicans a well-rounded wing rotation capable of handling various matchups in the playoffs.
With the blend of star power, depth, and improved defensive capabilities, the Pelicans have assembled a team that is not only capable of reaching the playoffs but also making a deep run. If key players stay healthy and the team chemistry continues to build, New Orleans could be a formidable contender in the postseason.
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