By Eric Jay Santos
The New Orleans Pelicans finished the 2024-2025 season with a near-conference-low 21-61 record. The franchise’s struggles can be attributed to injuries, as Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Brandon Ingram all appeared in less than 32 games. Despite missing the majority of the season, Williamson made a big impact when on the court. The two-time All-Star averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 28.6 minutes per game.
In the absence of Williamson, Trey Murphy III took on a bigger role on the team. The 24-year-old averaged a career-high 21.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. CJ McCollum displayed veteran leadership with sporadic 50-point performances throughout the year. Murray was also a key guard within the Pelicans’ starting lineup. Yves Missi showed promise in his rookie year, earning a selection in the All-Star Rising Stars game.
New Orleans made one major trade right before the annual deadline. Missing numerous games and set to become a free agent, Ingram was shipped to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and multiple draft picks. Around this time, Daniel Theis was moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder for cash considerations.
At the conclusion of the season, the Pelicans fired executive vice president David Griffin. Griffin took over the position in 2019, when Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and Williamson was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. Hall of Famer Joe Dumars is set to be the Pelicans’ next basketball executive. While an executive for the Detroit Pistons, the Louisiana native was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year (2003) and won an NBA championship (2004).
Heading into the offseason, the Pelicans are expected to land a top pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. Top prospects include Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey. Dumars will also need to evaluate the long term future for Williamson, who has fluctuated in availability due to injuries. Williamson’s contract expires at the end of the 2027-2028 season.
