New Orleans Pelicans: Five things you need to know

• Dynamic young core led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram
• Resurgent franchise after years of struggles and relocation
• Unique Pelicans identity and New Orleans basketball culture

The New Orleans Pelicans are a relatively young NBA franchise, having played just more than 20 seasons in the league. Boasting an all-time record of 831-937 (.470) the Pelicans have claimed one division title and qualified for the playoffs on nine occasions. Right now, the team has invested in youth talent with no active member of the  roster over the age of 30. Led by Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Jordan Poole, the Pelicans are hoping to emerge from a stretch of mediocrity.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 21-66
• Finish: 14th Seed
• All-Star Selections: Nil

The Pelicans had a poor 2024-25 season that saw them finish towards the bottom of the Western conference standings. Coach Willie Green was struck with a lot of serious injuries last season that hindered the team’s ability to get their young core time on the court together and establish a foundation for the team's future. Moving on from star player Brandon Ingram in the middle of the season was a huge move from the Pels front office that signalled their intent to wave the white flag on the season. The team possessed some of the league's lowest ranked offensive and defensive ratings and concluded the season with seven straight losses.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing

• Herb Jones agrees to 3-year extension

Additions

• Saddiq Bey joins via trade with Wizards (officially announced)
• Kevon Looney agrees to 2-year deal (officially announced)
• Jordan Poole joins via trade with Wizards (officially announced)

Departures

• Bruce Brown departs in free agency to Nuggets (per multiple reports)
• CJ McCollum departs via trade with Wizards (officially announced)
• Kelly Olynyk departs via trade with Wizards (officially announced)

The Pelicans had a questionable offseason. While they made only a few moves, it’s the quality of those moves that has sparked debate. One season after trading away the NBA’s Most Improved Player, Dyson Daniels, the Pelicans front office went into the 2025 offseason looking for redemption. A particularly interesting decision was to give up an unprotected 2026 draft pick to move up to 13th in the 2025 draft, many questioned the benefits of the move given it was one of the most valuable assets held at the time. In what could be one of the top lottery picks next season, the Pels front office have continued the trend of making high risk moves.

Re-signing Herb Jones on a three-year contract was the Pelicans standout move this offseason, locking down a core and emerging forward who had an injury-stricken season. Joining Jones to fortify the Pelicans depth at the forward position is Saddiq Bey. On the back of missing an entire season due to an ACL injury, Pelicans fans will need to be patient with the 14 points per game forward as he seeks to find his form from his past few seasons.

Getting NBA Champion Kevon Looney to New Orleans was a high-quality move that the Pelicans had to dig deep into their pocket to pull off. Moving on from Bruce Brown, CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, the Pelicans’ pursuit and acquisition of Jordan Poole encapsulates the side’s clear intent on investing in younger yet similarly built players to those previously on the roster. Once combined with other young pieces, Jordan Poole could play an essential part in lifting the energy and shot making level of the Pels in the upcoming season.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

1. Point Guard: Dejounte Murray
2. Shooting Guard: Jordan Poole
3. Small Forward: Trey Murphy III
4. Power Forward: Zion Williamson
5. Centre: Yves Missi

Australians who have played for the New Orleans Pelicans

Will Magnay: Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Magnay signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans on December 2, 2020. He made his NBA debut on March 23, 2021, against the Los Angeles Lakers, playing three minutes. Magnay was waived by the Pelicans on April 12, 2021.

Dyson Daniels: Hailing from Bendigo, Victoria, Daniels was selected by the Pelicans with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie contract on July 9, 2022, and has been a part of the team's rotation, known for his defensive versatility and playmaking skills. He has since been traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

History of the New Orleans Pelicans

While still a relatively young franchise, the Pelicans have already made their mark on NBA history. The team's journey from relocation to rebranding to resurgence serves as a model for how a small market franchise can reinvent itself and find success.

The Chris Paul era from 2005-2011 put New Orleans back on the NBA map, with Paul emerging as one of the league's premier point guards. His departure led to a rebuild, but it also paved the way for the franchise to draft cornerstones Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson.

Under the leadership of executive David Griffin, the Pelicans have assembled a promising young core. Investing in players in the age range of 23-29, the Pelicans are intent on creating a roster where their players are on the brink of their prime years or are already there. With veteran leadership of CJ McCollum now gone, the ascension of new recruits and NBA Champions Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney may initiate a new age of Pelicans basketball.

Identity

The Pelicans have worked to forge a distinct identity that reflects the spirit and culture of New Orleans. Their name and branding draw inspiration from Louisiana's state bird, with navy, gold and red colours evoking both the region's natural beauty and festive atmosphere.

On the court, the Pelicans aim to play an up-tempo, high-flying style befitting their namesake. Head coach Willie Green has implemented an offence that emphasises pace, ball movement, and taking advantage of the team's athleticism. Defensively, they look to use their length and quickness to create turnovers and transition opportunities.

The organisation has made a concerted effort to integrate itself into the fabric of New Orleans. Community outreach programs, local partnerships, and embracing the city's rich cultural traditions have helped the Pelicans build a loyal fanbase after years of uncertainty. The raucous atmosphere of the Smoothie King Center on game nights has become one of the NBA's best home court advantages.

Five Fast Facts

1. The franchise began as the Charlotte Hornets in 1988 before relocating to New Orleans in 2002
2. Changed name from Hornets to Pelicans in 2013 to embrace local identity
3. Have made the playoffs 9 times but never advanced past the second round
4. Drafted generational talents Anthony Davis (2012) and Zion Williamson (2019) with #1 overall picks
5. Set franchise record with 48 wins in 2007-08 season led by Chris Paul

Club Timeline

• 2002: Charlotte Hornets relocate to New Orleans
• 2005: Team temporarily relocates to Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina
• 2008: Return full-time to New Orleans, win franchise-record 56 games
• 2012: Draft Anthony Davis first overall
• 2013: Rebrand as New Orleans Pelicans
• 2019: Draft Zion Williamson first overall
• 2022: Return to playoffs for first time in 4 years

The Pelicans head into the 2025/26 season with reinforcements returning from long term injury. While it may be a slow start to the season, it feels like the Pelicans have built a team whose ceiling lies between the 7-9 seed in the Western conference. With quality offseason additions in Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and Kevon Looney, the Pelicans have bolstered their roster and feel confident that they will progress on last year's abysmal season.