What are the implications for the Pelicans’ hugely disappointing season? Only owner Gayle Benson knows that answer, Rod Walker of NOLA.com writes.
The futures of top exec David Griffin and head coach Willie Green hang in the balance after the Pelicans’ second-worst season in franchise history. Griffin has held his job for six seasons, while Green is wrapping up his fourth. The way the offseason plays out could also determine whether New Orleans retains franchise player Zion Williamson and other key pieces.
The Pelicans lost four games by at least 40 points and had three losing streaks of at least nine games.
Here’s more on the Pelicans:
- The team is more likely to make moves with an eye toward playoff contention, rather than a reset, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith opines in his offseason preview. The Pelicans have 12 players under contract next season, including Antonio Reeves‘ non-guaranteed deal. They’ll also have a high lottery pick to add to their talent pool.
- The Athletic’s Will Guillory believes abrupt changes are necessary for the Pelicans to grow. They can’t afford to run it back with Griffin, Green and Williamson all remaining in the organization, in his estimation. Moving on with a new front office leader and head coach might be the best course of action in order to catch up with the contenders in the West.
- The Pelicans finished with a 21-61 record after their loss to Oklahoma City on Sunday. New Orleans completed its season on a seven-game losing streak and will be in the No. 4 spot entering the draft lottery.
Clean house. NO has some talent but it seems like they’ve largely been a disappointment the last half decade. Don’t think they’re close to contention in the west.
NO Pelicans —— have the 10th highest payroll in the NBA, $167,494,924. And this year 2024-25 they have 21-61 the 4th worst record in NBA. Fire everyone and move Zion too.
Trade CJ to Pistons…. Go full rebuild. 4th pick is an excellent pick. Could even trade it for more assets.
CJ to Pistons? I think he would be coming off the bench then. Ivey was really blossoming before his season ending injury. They are paying Murray/Jones/Murphy too much money to go full rebuild. They need to find a taker for Zion asap. Maybe send him to Detroit instead of CJ? I don’t see Pistons destroying what took them YEARS to build over an offseason. They need to stick towards the plan. They have youth on their side. They just need a free agent here and a nice value pick in the 1st round and they can be a top 4 team next year.
CJ is a better mix than Ivey. Ivey still needs time. Cade is ready now so is CJ. I give up Ivey for CJ.
If Pistons had CJ now. They could beat Knicks.
Can Cade and CJ work together? CJ is pretty ball dominant and doesn’t offer much defense.
If I am NOLA, I am trying as hard as possible to move Dejounte. I would stick with Zion, Trey, Herb and CJ. Try to strike a serviceable big in FA or through a trade (maybe Clint Capela idk).
If this next season doesnt work out, then you blow everything up.
Just curious – Murray played all of 31 games – avg 17.5, 6.5, 7.4 – so why would you conclude he’s the first piece to go?
Very bad three point shooter, not really effective off the ball, his defense is a far cry from what it used to be, injury prone and even though he had a high amount of assists, his playmaking skills dont really maximize Zion and the other players on the Pels (in my opinion).
“Franchise player Zion Williamson”. One need look no further for the source of NO’s problems. What will it take for people to come to realize he is not an elite player no less a “franchise player”.
For Pelicans it is always going to be. What is up with Zion. Haven’t you seen enough NO. He still could be a major star. If he ever gets his body under control. But why would you keep waiting for that. Let another team do it. As it is. Even if he peaks soon, this yr or next yr. He probably will crash after 30. Move on he is not a professional athlete. He just wants to play one……. Move him now while he still has value.