The New Orleans Pelicans enjoyed a season of surprising success in 2022.
Despite superstar forward Zion Williamson’s season-long foot injury putting a cloud over the team all year long, New Orleans was able to overcome the loss of its best player.
Led by first-year head coach Willie Green, the Pelicans were able to bounce back from a 7-18 start to the season, and eventually make the play-in tournament.
After defeating the Spurs in the nine vs. ten matchup, New Orleans was able to upset the Clippers and punch its ticket to the playoffs.
And while they’d be defeated by the Suns in six games, the Pelicans showed plenty of fight and made the series a lot closer than some would have expected.
Now, where does the team go from here?
The Pelicans could truly be in store for a huge 2023 campaign, if last season is any indication.
Returning Players
New Orleans will see many players returning next year, giving them strong continuity in a competitive conference.
The most notable name is former all-star forward Brandon Ingram.
Ingram was the team’s top option a year ago, averaging nearly 23 points per game.
Ingram played a big part in the Pelicans’ ability to crawl out of that early-season hole and remain competitive.
This sustained effort kept them in the hunt, but also cleared the way for the addition of the team’s other top option.
Former Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum’s long tenure in Portland ended at the trade deadline when he was dealt to the Pelicans.
McCollum responded by having one of the most successful stretches of his career.
He exploded for career-highs of 24 points and six assists per game across 26 regular-season games in New Orleans.
The combined efforts of Ingram and McCollum were crucial, but another reason the Pelicans were able to improve stems from their depth.
Center Jonas Valanciunas was an impactful presence down low all season.
Additionally, the Pelicans’ trio of rookies all showed up in big ways.
Second-round pick Herbert Jones was a revelation, becoming a consistent starter while playing elite defense.
Undrafted point guard Jose Alvarado also earned acclaim for his sneaky and tenacious steals.
Alvarado additionally brought a sense of passion to the bench unit.
He made the most of every opportunity, leading to his bigger role as the year progressed.
Finally, first-round pick Trey Murphy started slow, but by the time playoffs rolled around, he was also a consistent rotation player.
With all these players, as well as others like Jaxson Hayes and Larry Nance Jr, returning, New Orleans mostly knows what they’ll look like next year.
However, there is still one major question left to answer.
Zion’s Comeback
Zion Williamson had a tough 2022 season, not suiting up a single time due to a fractured foot.
This came after a successful sophomore season, where he averaged 27 points per game while making his first all-star game.
Yet, speculation around Williamson’s future with the Pelicans began during his time away.
Some believed he was content to miss the season while trying to leave New Orleans as soon as he could.
However, Williamson has likely put those rumors to bed.
The former number one pick recently signed a five-year max extension to stay in the Big Easy.
On paper, the return of the former Duke standout will make the Pelicans a contender in the West.
But, is there now too many mouths to feed?
Can Everyone Gel?
Willie Green created a true team atmosphere down the stretch last year, and that chemistry was a big reason for the mid-season turnaround.
With Williamson back, will Ingram and McCollum be happy to hand the primary scoring reigns over once more?
Additionally, will Williamson be able to stay healthy, and be the explosive player he was pre-injury?
These are all question marks that will have to be answered next season.
And if everything goes according to plan, the Pelicans could be on the verge of something special.
The trio of Williamson, Ingram and McCollum have a ton of potential when at 100%
And with the aforementioned depth, they could be equipped to battle expected contenders like the Clippers and the reigning champion Warriors.
Ultimately, the destiny of the Pelicans rests in Zion Williamson’s hands.
He was the man chosen to be the face of the franchise. Now, he has the opportunity to fulfill that role.
