It’s hard to find positive takeaways when a team starts its season as poorly as the New Orleans Pelicans have in the 2025-26 campaign. Their 2-13 record has them sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. It becomes especially hard when the team doesn’t have that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, that is, their own first-round pick.
But in a time when many people want to be pessimistic about the Pelicans and their future, I think the trio forming right before the fans' eyes is something to get excited about.
The trio I’m referring to is Trey Murphy III, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen. Now, many people may be surprised that I didn’t include Zion Williamson, as he has been the face of this franchise for the last seven seasons. But times are changing, and Williamson isn’t.
This roster has been through three different cycles during Williamson's time in the NBA, and while the team is changing, his struggles with staying healthy have remained the same.
Williamson came into this season, having many fans, myself included, believing that things would be different. He entered camp in the best shape of his year and spoke about being ready to be a leader for this team, but his body simply said no.
With the emergence of Derik Queen, the Pelicans don’t really have room for another post-oriented star. Obviously, it's bold to say that the play of a rookie just 15 games into his career is the main factor in why the organization should trade away someone who was once looked at as this franchise's saviour. However, that’s just how good “The Big Easy” has been. Queen has started his rookie season averaging 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
It’s time to tear off the Zion Williamson band-aid.
Williamson has appeared in just six games this season, which puts him on pace to play no more than 33 games this season.
During Williamson's absence from the lineup, we've seen Fears, Murphy III, and Queen develop strong chemistry on the court. Specifically, Murphy III has regained his scoring touch during these eight games without Williamson. He has averaged 23.6 points per game, shooting efficiently at 51.2 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point range.
By trading Williamson, you clear the runway for this trio to continue to grow together and usher in the next era of Pelicans basketball. An era that doesn’t include Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans need a new direction—one that’s healthy and sustainable. Right now, the trio of Murphy III, Fears, and Queen isn’t just the bright spot of a disappointing season. It’s the beginning of what comes next.