New Orleans Pelicans: Good news! It can’t get any worse

The New Orleans Pelicans hit a new low point for the season after getting blown out 126-85 by the Golden State Warriors last night.

Normally, after a beating like this I would try to find some reason for optimism, but I have to be honest and say that this time I’ve got nothing for you.

The Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are injured and there is no telling when either will be back.

Herb Jones, one of the only bright spots of the season, suffered a concussion and now has a sprained ankle after being put on the Kia Rookie Ladder.

Jonas Valanciunas has been amazing, but he is almost certain to join the ranks of the Pelicans’ injured if he has to keep playing 35 minutes a night.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been cursed with injuries once again, but that is not the only reason they are off to a 1-9 start to the 2021-22 season.

New Orleans Pelicans: Young players are not stepping up

All of these losses are expected with the team’s two best players out, but I think a lot of us were looking forward to seeing other young players get extended minutes and bigger roles in their absence.

While it’s still too early to give up on any of these guys, their play hasn’t inspired much confidence so far. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a guy many thought was going to have a breakout year, has gone back to his inconsistent shooting and poor shot selection.

Jaxson Hayes has been benched, which is pretty discouraging considering how bad this team is right now. If he can’t earn minutes on this team, I’m not sure when he ever will.

Both Kira Lewis Jr. and Naji Marshall have failed to make much of an impact and promising rookie Trey Murphy III has yet to hit a groove or have a breakout game shooting the ball.

The entire Pelicans’ bench has been non-existent and the young guys aren’t showing much of their considerable promise.

The only good news that I can offer is that it can’t get any worse. Zion and BI will be back at some point. The young guys are going to start playing better and we’ll get a better idea of where they are once the team is at full strength.

The bright side is that it’s all up from here, but it’s hard to feel great about the New Orleans Pelicans right now.