The NBA season has been underway for some time now, with teams experiencing various trajectories. Some have started slow but have managed to find their footing and return to a competitive level. For instance, the Milwaukee Bucks had a rough start to the season, winning only two out of their first ten regular-season games and ranking last in the Eastern Conference at one point. However, the Bucks are a team with a strong foundation, bolstered by the powerful duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. They quickly adjusted their game and climbed back up to the top six in the East, maintaining their championship aspirations.
Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers have shown improvement recently, going 8-2 in their last ten games and breaking into the top 20 in the latest team power rankings. Early in the season, the 76ers struggled due to injuries and lineup adjustments, which kept them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Now, with Joel Embiid's return and his reassertion of dominance in the paint, along with George's improving chemistry with the team, the 76ers' trio of Maxey, Embiid, and George is proving to be a formidable force. With less than half of the regular season completed, the 76ers have a chance to make a significant push and climb to the top of the Eastern Conference.
However, not all teams have experienced such a turnaround. There are still five teams with a win rate below 30%, including the Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans. Among these, the Pelicans have been particularly disappointing this season. Unlike other low-performing teams, the Pelicans did not intend to tank; in fact, they strengthened their roster during the offseason by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, forming a super quartet.
The Pelicans have amassed four All-Star caliber players: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Murray, who have all been legitimate All-Stars. The combination of Williamson and Ingram on the front line is unstoppable, with one providing relentless interior impact and the other showcasing a versatile scoring arsenal. Murray himself is an all-around player, capable of driving, shooting, and playmaking, with top-tier defense among guards, having been selected to the All-Defensive Team and winning a steals title. Additionally, the Pelicans have CJ McCollum, who, although never an All-Star, is considered one of the biggest snubs in All-Star history. Over his ten-year career, he has averaged over 20 points per game with a 40% three-point shooting rate. His extensive experience leading the Portland Trail Blazers is also noteworthy. The Pelicans also boast young talents like Murphy and Mays.
With such a lineup, making the playoffs should not be an issue, even if contending for the championship might be a stretch. However, reality has dealt them a harsh blow. Unexpectedly, the Pelicans have become the team with the lowest win rate and the worst record this season, with only five wins and 28 losses, a win rate of just 15.2%. This is worse than the bottom-ranked Washington Wizards in the East and even the Detroit Pistons, who finished last last season. If the current win rate continues, the Pelicans would end the season with a record of 12 wins and 70 losses. After recently losing to the Clippers, the Pelicans suffered a ten-game losing streak, with only two wins in their last 28 games, a truly bleak situation. Despite their impressive roster, the Pelicans have delivered a baffling performance, leaving many questioning their commitment to the game and suggesting it's time for a rebuild.
The Pelicans' primary issue stems from injuries. Murray fractured his foot in his debut, and McCollum missed several games intermittently. Their top two core players, Ingram and Williamson, are currently sidelined, with Ingram out for a month and Williamson playing only six games this season. Williamson, in particular, has proven to be injury-prone. In his rookie season, he played only a third of the regular season games, was out for the entire 2021-22 season, and played less than half the schedule in 2022-23. Williamson's fragility can be attributed to both his high-risk playing style, where he sacrifices his body for athleticism, and his lack of discipline, as evidenced by significant weight gain during the offseason.
This season, the Pelicans have lost faith in Williamson. Once a highly anticipated number one draft pick, he is now unable to lead by example due to his inability to stay on the court. According to Jovan Buha, the Pelicans are actively looking to trade Zion Williamson, with Ingram and McCollum also on the trading block. Instead, they prefer to retain their younger players, with Murphy and Jones being too valuable to part with, and Murray not being considered for a trade. It remains to be seen where Williamson will ultimately land. Hoops updated their social media with a composite photo of Williamson, Paul, and Wembanyama playing together. Honestly, if Williamson were to join the Spurs, it would be quite remarkable, as the trio would cover all bases in terms of height, weight, and skill. Of course, this is contingent on Williamson playing and maintaining a high attendance rate. Where do you think Williamson will end up?