NBA: Zion Williamson, Pelicans aim for first playoff success

FILE– New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes part in Pelicans Media Day ahead of the NBA season at the Smoothie King Center. –Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans

Last season: 49-33, lost to Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs.

COACH: Willie Green (fourth season, 127-119)

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 vs. Chicago Bulls.

DEPARTURES: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Dyson Daniels, F-C Larry Nance Jr., F Naji Marshall.

ADDITIONS: G Dejounte Murray, C Daniel Theis, C Yves Missi

BetMGM championship odds: 500-1.

What to expect

The Pelicans are hoping to finally win a playoff series for the first time since power forward Zion Williamson was drafted first overall out of Duke in 2019. Williamson played in 70 games last season and was dominant in many of them before injuring his hamstring during a play-in game and missing the playoffs.

READ: NBA: Zion Williamson still has Brandon Ingram as wingman–for now

Still just 24, Williamson continues to improve. Meanwhile, team brass have complimented his increasing maturity as it relates to staying fit and developing his game, setting expectations for him sky high. His pairing with the newly acquired Murray, a ball-dominant point guard who can score in bunches, gives a new dynamic to a squad that also will feature CJ McCollum and — for now — Brandon Ingram, who’s been the subject of trade speculation since the offseason.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: Offense shouldn’t be an issue, as long as New Orleans’ four most productive scorers can get comfortable playing together. Williamson will make the Pelicans strong in the paint. Murray, McCollum and Ingram should produce from the perimeter. Ingram and Murray also are good ball-handlers who can slash to the rim.

READ: NBA: Pelicans’ Jose Alvarado agrees to 2-year, $9M extension

The not-so-good: New Orleans has only one true center in rookie 7-footer Yves Missi, and the 2024 first-round draft choice is raw and cannot be relied upon to play important minutes this season. That means the Pelicans will try to make do playing largely small ball with 6-7 forward Herb Jones at center in a rotation with 6-8 journeyman Daniel Theis.

Players to watch

The oft-injured Williamson has averaged 24.7 points in the first 184 games of his career and the two-time All-Star could have his most prolific season yet. Ingram’s future with the club has been uncertain since the Pelicans declined during the offseason to offer the extension he wanted as he enters his final season under contract. He’s averaged 23.1 points per game in five seasons with New Orleans and could be out to prove his worth — if he isn’t too disgruntled. Murray has sought to take on an immediate leadership role with his new club, but it remains to be seen how well he’ll mesh with new teammates in a somewhat unconventional lineup.