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Five Pelicans Players With Something to Prove This Season

With the NBA season here, the New Orleans Pelicans have a chance to build on a disappointing 2025-26 season and lay the foundation for a fun, competitive future.

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 5:38 PM
Five Pelicans Players With Something to Prove This Season
Key Things to Know
  • The Lead identifies five New Orleans Pelicans players facing pivotal seasons under head coach Jamahl Mosley.
  • The writer argues Zion Williamson must stay healthy and convert his individual scoring into team wins.
  • Derik Queen must prove his interior skill set can provide proper spacing alongside Williamson.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Lead highlights five New Orleans Pelicans players who have something to prove entering the season under new head coach Jamahl Mosley. Following a 26-56 campaign, the franchise is counting on Zion Williamson to stay healthy and translate his production into victories, while second-year player Derik Queen must demonstrate how his interior offensive game and playmaking complement Williamson in the frontcourt.

On the wing, The Lead notes that Herbert Jones must improve his outside shooting efficiency while maintaining his elite defense. Meanwhile, Saddiq Bey aims to justify his three-year, $55.5 million extension following his comeback year, and offseason addition Bennedict Mathurin must improve his shooting efficiency and playmaking after signing a two-year, $16 million deal.

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