The numbers might not be in their favor, but the New Orleans Pelicans, led by a rejuvenated Dejounte Murray, are far from throwing in the towel. After a grueling 13-month recovery from a ruptured Achilles, Murray returned to the court with a bold message: the Pelicans are gearing up for a push towards the NBA Play-In Tournament.
While the odds seem daunting, Murray and others in the organization, including broadcaster Antonio Daniels, are optimistic about their chances. Murray took to social media to express his belief in the team's ability to build winning habits and treat each game with championship intensity. His enthusiasm is infectious, even if the road ahead is tough.
The Pelicans have shown flashes of potential, winning two of their first three games post-All-Star break. With a fully healthy roster on the horizon, Murray's return has injected a sense of calm and focus into the team, according to head coach James Borrego.
However, the reality is clear: New Orleans has fewer than two dozen games to overcome an 11-game deficit. The schedule is somewhat forgiving, with several games against teams eyeing the draft lottery, but catching the LA Clippers, who have a favorable schedule themselves, remains a formidable challenge.
Borrego is navigating a complex lineup situation, with the return of key players like Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi imminent. The coach acknowledges the difficulty of managing a deep roster but sees it as a positive problem, emphasizing the readiness and confidence of his players.
Murray is set to lead the charge from the point guard position, sharing playmaking duties with Zion Williamson. Williamson, who faced trade rumors earlier, is now a pivotal part of the team's strategy, bringing energy and smiles back to the court.
The Pelicans' lineup features a mix of promising talent and seasoned veterans. Herb Jones, a fan favorite, is a defensive powerhouse, while Murphy III's shooting prowess makes him a key asset. The rotation will see Yves Missi, Derik Queen, and Saddiq Bey sharing starting duties based on matchups, with Bey providing scoring punch off the bench.
Jeremiah Fears, a rookie with significant potential, will be the first guard off the bench, especially with Murray on a minutes restriction. Jordan Poole, working to solidify his role, will see around 20 minutes per game, contingent on his performance.
The development of players like Queen and Bey is crucial, and Borrego is keen on giving them ample time to grow. Meanwhile, Micah Peavy and Bruce McGowens are ready to step up if needed, and Karlo Matkovic offers a change of pace in the frontcourt.
While clinching a Play-In spot this season might be a long shot, the Pelicans are laying the groundwork for a serious playoff push next year. With potential All-Stars in Murray, Williamson, Murphy III, and Queen, and a promising rookie in Fears, the future looks bright.
If they can avoid the injury bug, this team could be on the verge of something special. The next six weeks will provide a glimpse into why fans should remain excited about the Pelicans' prospects.