From Play-in Contenders to Early Season Exit. The 2024–25 New Orleans Pelicans season ended with 21 Wins and 61 losses. Check out our breakdown of the things we thought The Pelicans did well and did not.
The Good:
New Age Pelicans:
Yves Missi: The rookie, selected 21st overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, showed promise and earned a spot in the All-Star Rising Stars game. He averaged 10 rebounds per game in January 2025, indicating potential as a solid contributor.
Trey Murphy III: Stepping up in Williamson’s absence, Murphy averaged a career-high 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.1 steals, almost a block per game, establishing himself as one of the upcoming versatile wings and a key piece for the future.
Jordan Hawkins: Hawkins showed improvement on both ends of the court, contributing to the team’s depth despite the overall struggles.
Zion Williamson’s Impact When Healthy:
Although limited to under 32 games, Williamson was highly effective when on the court, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 28.6 minutes per game. His star power remains a cornerstone for the franchise.
CJ McCollum’s Leadership:
McCollum provided veteran stability, leading the team in scoring in December 2024 (21.62 points per game) and January 2025 (26 points in a notable win). His sporadic 50-point performances were a highlight in a tough season.
Draft Assets and Future Outlook:
The Ingram trade netted multiple draft picks, and the Pelicans are expected to land a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, offering a chance to add high-end talent. The hiring of Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as the new basketball executive brings optimism for a strategic rebuild.
The Bad
Injury Woes:
Key players Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Brandon Ingram each played fewer than 32 games due to injuries, severely impacting the team’s performance. This lack of availability from star players crippled the roster.
Trade of Brandon Ingram:
Before the trade deadline, the Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram, who was set to become a free agent, to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks. While the trade brought assets, losing a key player further weakened the team’s immediate competitiveness.
Front Office Changes:
The Pelicans fired executive vice president David Griffin at the end of the season. Griffin’s tenure since 2019 was criticized for mishandling player situations, depleting assets, and failing to build a consistent contender. This shakeup signals organizational instability.
Struggles Despite Talent:
Despite high expectations from emerging players like Yves Missi, Trey Murphy III, and Jordan Hawkins, the team’s 5-25 record after 30 games was a disappointment, highlighting issues with team cohesion and execution. These numbers validated how importance of key players like Herb Jones’s defense and DeJounte’s Playmaking for the Pelicans.
