Yardbarker
x
New Orleans Pelicans 2025-26 projected starting lineup, last chance for Zion Williamson as new era begins
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

The New Orleans Pelicans look to improve upon their years of mediocre and disappointing performances.

The New Orleans Pelicans had yet another poor season in 2024-25. Injuries, roster changes, and ill-advised trades were just some of the reasons they missed the playoffs yet again.

So in the offseason, the Pelicans decided to make some big changes. After firing David Griffin as VP and hiring Joe Dumars, the Pelicans traded CJ McCollum for Jordan Poole.

And in one of the most controversial decisions in the NBA draft, the Pelicans traded up for Derik Queen, giving the Atlanta Hawks an unprotected 2026 first-round pick.

Dumars and the Pelicans have been slammed for the move, but the executive made a call to help put together a strong roster.

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans projected starting lineup

The New Orleans Pelicans have put together an interesting roster, one whose performances are very difficult to predict.

This is what their starting lineup is expected to look like:

Starting Lineup Second Unit
Dejounte Murray Jeremiah Fears
Jordan Poole Jose Alvarado
Trey Murphy Brandon Boston Jr.
Zion Williamson Kevon Looney
Yves Missi Derik Queen

The Pelicans were impressed with Jeremiah Fears’ Summer League performances, as he put on a show in Las Vegas.

But it’s unlikely he will earn a starting spot over Dejounte Murray or Jordan Poole, two players with All-Star and championship experience.

Kevon Looney could play a strong forward role off the bench behind Zion Williamson, who could struggle with injuries during the season, thus opening the door to a starting spot.

The New Orleans Pelicans must make a strong impression in the Western Conference

With the roster they have, the Pelicans have a chance to make a very strong impression in the Western Conference, provided nothing goes wrong.

However, the Pelicans have shown in the past how easily their campaign can get derailed with injuries to key players.

Zion Williamson, in particular, needs to show that his injury issues are in the past. If not, the Pelicans might have to consider moving on from him.

The 2025-26 NBA season is make-or-break for the New Orleans Pelicans. No matter how it turns out, it will be very exciting for fans to watch.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!