Devin Booker scored 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 115-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, with the Suns closing strong after trailing late in the game.
Zion Williamson showcased a significant weight loss transformation through a series of photos during Media Day for the New Orleans Pelicans, highlighting his physical change and readiness for the upcoming season.
Mike Hopkins, a former Syracuse assistant and player, has joined the New Orleans Pelicans as an assistant coach and head of player development, marking his second year in the NBA after a stint with the Phoenix Suns and a head coaching role at the University of Washington.
The 2025 NBA Draft featured notable moves including Portland's strategic trade down and Yang Hansen pick, New Orleans' questionable trade-up, Brooklyn's all five picks usage, and intriguing roster management issues across teams. The draft also saw some surprising landings and potential future stars, with ongoing questions about trade strategies and draft protections.
The article reviews the first round of the 2025 NBA draft, highlighting the Suns' questionable roster moves, Portland's bold pick of Yang, the Pelicans' risky trade for Derik Queen, and the Celtics' potential struggles despite a strong core, while also criticizing ESPN's panel choices for draft analysis.
The New York Knicks are interviewing James Borrego, a Pelicans assistant and former Hornets head coach, as part of their expanding coaching search following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau. Borrego, connected through his agency CAA and with a coaching background from the Spurs and Hornets, is among several candidates including former coaches and current assistants. The Knicks are also exploring options with other notable coaches, amid a complex and competitive coaching market.
CJ McCollum has been traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Washington Wizards, along with Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick, in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in the NBA Draft, marking a significant roster shakeup for both teams.
The New Orleans Pelicans are waiving guard Elfrid Payton after seven games, where he averaged 6.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. The decision comes as the team manages a roster in the luxury tax, with key players like Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum returning. Payton, a nine-year NBA veteran, was signed on Nov. 20 and had a notable performance against the Indiana Pacers. The Pelicans expect Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones to return soon.
Zion Williamson and Creative Arts Agency (CAA) are parting ways, raising questions about his contract situation with the New Orleans Pelicans due to his injury history. Williamson, a two-time All-Star, has played only six games this season and has missed significant time since being drafted in 2019. His five-year, $197 million contract extension includes clauses that allow the Pelicans to waive him without financial penalty if certain conditions aren't met. Despite his injuries, Williamson remains a dominant player when healthy.
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is optimistic about overcoming the team's current struggles, largely due to injuries, as they sit near the bottom of the Western Conference. Williamson, who has been sidelined with a left hamstring strain, expressed confidence in the team's ability to "figure it out" despite the setbacks. The Pelicans have been plagued by injuries to key players, including CJ McCollum and Herb Jones, and there is no clear timetable for Williamson's return, with reports suggesting he may be out longer than initially expected.
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the New Orleans Pelicans, with standout performances from Ty Jerome, who scored 29 points, and Jaylon Tyson, who impressed in his debut with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Cavs' starters, including Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, played limited minutes due to the team's commanding lead. Jerome's exceptional shooting and Tyson's all-around play highlighted the game, while Jarrett Allen and Georges Niang also contributed significantly. The Pelicans struggled with injuries, missing eight key players.
LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans by hitting two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Despite injuries and fatigue, the Lakers managed to secure their fifth consecutive win, with James scoring 21 points and Anthony Davis contributing 31 points and 14 rebounds. The Pelicans, missing key players, built an early lead, but the Lakers rallied back, aided by rookie Dalton Knecht's 27 points. The Lakers aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their NBA Cup schedule.
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' star center, will miss the game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to personal reasons. Jokic, who is having an outstanding season, was initially listed as questionable but was ruled out on Friday. The Nuggets, currently on a winning streak, are starting a three-game road trip, while the Pelicans are struggling with multiple player absences. The team is uncertain about Jokic's return, emphasizing the importance of personal matters.
The New Orleans Pelicans will be without guard Jose Alvarado for six weeks due to a hamstring strain, adding to their injury woes as they are already missing several key players, including Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Alvarado, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, has been a standout performer, averaging 10.7 points and 4.5 assists per game this season.
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a left hamstring strain, exacerbating the team's ongoing injury crisis. Williamson, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. His absence adds to the Pelicans' woes, as they are already missing several key players and have started the season with a 3-7 record. The team may consider focusing on future draft picks as a silver lining to their current struggles.