The Athletic NBA Daily Can the Pelicans turn things around this season?
Sep 17, 2025
Will Guillory, the Pelicans beat writer for The Athletic, shares his insights on the New Orleans Pelicans' upcoming season. He discusses Zion Williamson's recovery and potential, emphasizing the mental strength required post-injury. The conversation dives into the promising capabilities of rookies Queen and Fears, along with the leaps we can expect from Trey Murphy. Will highlights the impact of recent organizational changes and challenges the team faces, all while sparking hope for a successful turnaround.
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Front Office Shift And New Direction
- Joe Dumars quickly imposed a new culture and roster direction after replacing David Griffin.
- He wants a younger, more flexible roster that can both compete now and be built toward the future.
Queen Trade Risks An Unprotected Pick
- Trading an unprotected 2026 first to get Derek Queen is the boldest, most consequential move this summer.
- That pick could easily end up lottery-caliber, making the trade extremely risky for New Orleans.
Queen's Bold First Presser
- Derek Queen declared in his first Pelicans presser that he's better than the 2026 draft prospects he was traded for.
- That confidence endears him to teammates but also attaches extra pressure and expectations immediately.