Pelicans’ Star Power Gets a Shake-Up in New Player Rankings: Trey Murphy III Rises, Zion Holds Steady, Herb Jones Misses the Cut
The New Orleans Pelicans have endured their share of ups and downs this season, but one thing remains clear: when this team is healthy, the talent is undeniable. That potential is starting to show up in national recognition, with The Ringer releasing its updated Top 100 NBA Players list-and there are some notable shifts for the Pelicans’ core.
Let’s break down where things stand for New Orleans’ top names.
Trey Murphy III - No. 49 (Up from No. 58)
Trey Murphy III has gone from promising young piece to undeniable star in his fifth NBA season. Jumping nine spots in the rankings, Murphy now finds himself inside the top 50-and frankly, it feels well-earned.
He’s been the Pelicans’ most impactful two-way player this season. When Murphy is on the floor, New Orleans is simply better-posting a +4.7 net rating with him in the lineup. That’s not just noise; that’s winning basketball.
Murphy’s growth has been steady and impressive. He’s posting career highs across the board: 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 47.3% from the field, 36.2% from deep, and 89.0% from the free-throw line. That’s elite-level efficiency, especially for a player who’s expanded his role as both a scorer and facilitator.
What really stands out is the confidence. Murphy is attacking closeouts, creating off the dribble, and showing a level of poise that suggests he’s not just a key piece for the Pelicans now-but a foundational one for the future.
It’s no surprise that teams have been calling about him ahead of the trade deadline. It’s also no surprise that New Orleans isn’t picking up the phone.
Zion Williamson - No. 59 (Up from No. 61)
Zion’s journey this season has been all about restoring belief-not just from the fans, but from the franchise and himself. He’s climbed two spots in the rankings, and while that may not seem like much, it reflects a steady return to form for one of the league’s most uniquely dominant players.
Williamson has already played the third-most games of his career this season and matched his longest consecutive games streak at 25. For a player whose availability has been the biggest question mark, that’s a meaningful step forward.
Statistically, he’s still Zion: 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The explosiveness is still there, the finishing around the rim is still elite, and when he’s locked in, he can single-handedly shift the momentum of a game.
But there’s more to the story this year. Zion has shown a willingness to adapt-accepting a bench role when asked and stepping up as a leader in the locker room. That kind of buy-in matters, especially for a team trying to find its identity.
There are still valid concerns. His defensive effort can be inconsistent, and the long-term durability questions haven’t gone away.
But when he’s on the court, Zion still has the potential to be one of the most dominant forces in the league. And that’s something you don’t just walk away from.
Herb Jones - Unranked (Previously No. 97)
Herb Jones falling out of the Top 100 might raise a few eyebrows, but context is everything here. This isn’t about performance-it’s about availability.
Jones has battled injuries this season, and that’s likely what cost him his spot in the rankings. But when he’s been on the court, his impact has been unmistakable.
The Pelicans are 8-2 in their last 10 games with Jones in the lineup, and they boast a +7.7 net rating when he’s on the floor. That’s elite territory.
Offense is still a work in progress, but his defensive versatility and high-IQ play continue to make him one of the most valuable glue guys in the league. He guards multiple positions, disrupts passing lanes, and makes all the little plays that don’t always show up in the box score but win games.
So yes, he’s off the list for now-but don’t be surprised if he climbs back in once he’s healthy and stringing together consistent minutes again.
Final Thoughts
The Pelicans may be hovering around .500, but the individual growth within this roster is undeniable. Trey Murphy III is turning heads across the league.
Zion Williamson is slowly but surely reminding everyone what he can be. And Herb Jones, even in limited action, continues to make a strong case for his value.
If this core can stay healthy and keep building chemistry, there’s a real foundation here for something special in New Orleans. The rankings are just a snapshot-but the trajectory? That’s what should have fans excited.