"Hanifan's outlook: The highlight - or lowlight, depending on how you want to look at it - of the Pelicans' summer was moving up 10 spots (from No. 23 to 13) on draft night and selecting Maryland's Derik Queen. However, first-year vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars traded the Pelicans' unprotected 2026 first-round pick, a catastrophically bad move in every conceivable way."
"Marred by injury, New Orleans had the second-worst season in its team's history last year. You couldn't have scripted a worse season in your wildest dreams. To add insult to injury - literally - Zion Williamson has played just 40 percent of his team's games just twice in five years. I believe the team's core of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones will be healthier."
Offseason moves included additions Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, Saddiq Bey, Jalen McDaniels and Jaden Springer; subtractions included Kelly Olynyk, C.J. McCollum and Bruce Brown. Herb Jones was re-signed. Draft selections were Jeremiah Fears (No. 7), Derik Queen (No. 13) after moving up, and Micah Peavy (No. 40). The front office traded an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, creating significant future risk. The franchise suffered severe injury problems last season, including limited availability from Zion Williamson. The core of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones projects healthier availability, but the roster lacks enough talent and depth to overcome further injury setbacks or a deep Western Conference.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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