New Orleans Pelicans Set For Massive Roster Changes Despite Strong Season

David Griffin, the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, acknowledged the team’s impressive 49-win season but indicated a planned overhaul of the roster during his NBA season-ending news conference on Tuesday.

Griffin emphasized a shift from the team’s previous strategy focused on stability, expressing that while they have previously favored maintaining their roster to see its full potential when healthy, the time has come for changes.

“We’ve seen enough to know that there’s significant work to be done,” Griffin stated.

The Pelicans, who made it to the playoffs through the play-in tournament, were eliminated following another setback for star player Zion Williamson.

Williamson, the top pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, has yet to play in a postseason game due to injuries. This season, which was his first playing more than 61 games, he showcased his capability with MVP-level performances until an injury during the play-in tournament halted his progress.

Griffin praised Williamson’s significant development over the season, noting improvements in his physical condition and skill set, particularly in taking more pull-up jump shots as recommended by the coaching staff.

“His evolution is exciting for us, and we’re optimistic about his future,” Griffin commented.

The potential restructuring could impact other key players, including Brandon Ingram, despite his strong performance and All-NBA caliber season. With players like Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Naji Marshall adding depth on the wings, the Pelicans are positioned to make strategic trades.

Ingram, who joined the Pelicans in the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, has been a consistent performer, averaging over 20 points per season during his tenure with the team.

The Pelicans finished the 2023-24 season eighth in the Western Conference, their best standing since the 2017-18 season.

Despite the successful season by recent standards, Griffin underscored the necessity for the team to improve, citing the competitive nature of the Western Conference and the improvements expected from other teams.

“There’s a real urgency for us to enhance our roster this offseason,” he added.