As the NBA calendar flips past the All-Star break, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a familiar but frustrating middle ground - not quite in the thick of the playoff race, not quite in rebuild mode. But make no mistake: these final 26 games matter.
A lot. Not necessarily for a postseason push, but for what this team becomes in the next chapter.
This stretch is less about standings and more about statements - from players who need to prove they belong, from young talent carving out their place, and from a front office that will soon face some franchise-defining decisions. Let’s break down the key Pelicans to watch as the season winds down, and why their performances could shape the future in New Orleans.
Zion Williamson: A Spotlight That Never Dims
Zion Williamson is, as always, the most fascinating figure in the Pelicans’ orbit. He’s a walking highlight reel, a matchup nightmare, and - when healthy - one of the most dominant forces in the league. But that “when healthy” caveat has followed him like a shadow throughout his career.
Now, for the first time, Zion has strung together 30 straight games. That’s not just a milestone - it’s a signal. If he can finish the season strong and stay on the court, it gives the Pelicans something they haven’t had in years: a full-season sample of what Zion looks like with rhythm, conditioning, and continuity.
Here’s where it gets tricky. A dominant final stretch won’t necessarily make the Pelicans’ decision easier.
If anything, it complicates it. On one hand, Zion’s ceiling is still sky-high, and when he plays like this, it’s hard to imagine willingly moving on.
On the other hand, a healthy and productive Zion becomes a far more attractive trade asset - and that could open the door to a seismic shift in New Orleans’ direction.
Dejounte Murray: The Trade Chip That Needs a Showcase
Dejounte Murray hasn’t suited up all season, recovering from a torn Achilles, but his name still looms large in the Pelicans’ future plans - or lack thereof. The 29-year-old guard returned to practice just before the All-Star break, and all signs point to him making his season debut sometime soon.
Here’s the reality: the Pelicans were reportedly exploring deals for Murray at the trade deadline, and while nothing materialized, that interest isn’t going away. With $32.8 million owed next season and a $30.8 million player option the year after, New Orleans needs to see Murray prove he’s still the two-way force he was before the injury.
The final games of the season are his audition - not just for the Pelicans, but for the rest of the league. If he shows he’s still got his burst, his defensive chops, and his ability to run an offense, the market will be there. If not, New Orleans may be stuck holding a contract they’d rather not keep.
Derik Queen & Jeremiah Fears: The Blueprint for the Future
The rookies - center Derik Queen and point guard Jeremiah Fears - are the clearest sign of the Pelicans’ long-term vision. And while their rookie seasons have had the usual ups and downs, both have shown enough flashes to believe they’re part of the foundation moving forward.
Queen has been a steady presence in the frontcourt, averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 boards, and 4.1 assists while shooting just under 50% from the field. His playmaking from the post is already ahead of the curve, and his rebounding continues to improve.
The question marks? Defensive consistency and a jumper that hasn’t quite found its range - especially from deep.
Fears, meanwhile, has handled a recent move to the bench with maturity and poise. He’s putting up 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, with shooting splits that suggest potential but also room for growth. For him, it’s about tightening the handle, making smarter decisions, and becoming a more consistent threat from beyond the arc.
Both players are still figuring it out - and that’s okay. What matters now is how they close the season. Strong finishes could solidify their roles heading into next year and give the front office confidence to build around them.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about individual stats or win-loss records. It’s about clarity. The Pelicans have spent the past few seasons in a state of flux, trying to balance development with competitiveness, health with potential, and patience with urgency.
These next 26 games won’t provide all the answers, but they’ll offer crucial data points. Can Zion stay healthy and dominant?
Can Murray prove he’s still a high-level guard? Can Queen and Fears take the next step?
The answers to those questions won’t just shape the offseason - they’ll shape the next era of Pelicans basketball.