The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a devastating 128-111 loss to the Houston Rockets, potentially hitting rock bottom for the season. This defeat goes beyond just tanking for a high draft pick – it exposes deeper issues within the organization.
As a Pelicans insider, I’ve watched this team struggle all season, but this loss was particularly concerning. The team looked directionless, lacking effort, and completely lost on both ends of the court. What’s most alarming is that 30 games into the season, we’re seeing no growth or improvement.
The Competent Starting Lineup Conundrum
Even with a competent starting lineup of Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, C.J. McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Yves Missi, the Pelicans were blown out by 30 points at home. This raises serious questions about the team’s direction and the effectiveness of the current roster construction.
Looking Ahead: Zion’s Return and Shooting Woes
The upcoming return of Zion Williamson in about two weeks presents an opportunity to evaluate a potential future starting lineup. However, this game highlighted concerns about shooting, particularly with a lineup featuring Williamson, Jones, and Missi– three non-shooters.
The Pelicans’ inability to space the floor effectively could severely limit Williamson’s impact and the team’s overall offensive potential. This game served as a stark reminder of the front office’s failure to surround Williamson with adequate shooting throughout his tenure.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ struggles and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Brandon Ingram’s trade value implications
• Evaluating Willie Green’s future as head coach
• Potential roster changes and rebuilding strategies
• Upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies
