Questions regarding the Pelicans roster have loomed all offseason long. As the season came to an end for New Orleans, it became evident the roster didn't have enough to compete for a championship. After acquiring Dejounte Murray via trade, the Pelicans feel confident about their roster, although there's a lack of frontcourt presence. New Orleans drafted center Yves Missi with their first-round pick. Even with the addition of the rookie, the Pelicans could help in their frontcourt.
Zion Wiliamson has played most of his career primarily as the power forward for New Orleans. In the 'Zion era', the Pelicans have relied on a plethora of centers to play alongside Zion. Derrick Favors, Willy Hernangomez, Steven Adams, Jaxson Hayes, Jonas Valanciunas, and Larry Nance Jr. have all played considerable minutes at center during Williamson's time in the league. With that in mind, New Orleans is lacking the needed depth at the position, with Missi and veteran Daniel Theis rostered.
However, Executive VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin spoke highly of the current during the Pelicans Summer League game versus Minnesota. Griffin not only acknowledged the visible lack of a frontcourt on the roster, but reinforced confidence of both Missi, Theis, and Zion this season. The most important point Griffin made revolved around the team's play style heading into next season.
"I know everybody thinks we have to invest in the center position a little bit. We actually are really excited about what we have now. We are excited to play small and fast"
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) July 12, 2024
-- David Griffin on the Pelicans center situation pic.twitter.com/fFgDxUVtgz
Will Zion start the season at center?
Griffin's confidence in the current frontcourt and his mention of the Pelicans playing "small and fast" creates a scenario for Zion Williamson to start the season at center for New Orleans. With Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum in the backcourt, the Pelicans can use Trey Murphy III as more a wing moving forward. At forward, Murphy III could slide into the starting lineup alongside Herb Jones. If the Pelicans decide to keep Brandon Ingram, Murphy III would remain the team's sixth man.
With Zion at center, depth of Yves Missi and Daniel Theis could form a respectable frontcourt. However, starting Murphy III and Jones would create a void of forward depth. Even though this would open up the necessary shooting and floor spacing around Williamson, it would leave a major need of depth at forward, especially if the Pelicans move on from Brandon Ingram. If Ingram remains a Pelican, Murphy III would still represent the only viable depth off the bench.
With a clear willingness to play small and fast, the Pelicans trade return for Brandon Ingram could feature a starting big man, or depth pieces for their rotation. The Pelicans currently roster six guards, but only 4 forwards and two centers. With multiple roster spots still available, expect high activity from New Orleans to not only fill out their roster, but consider trading Ingram to complete their team. Due to New Orleans tricky salary cap situation, moving Ingram feels like the necessary solution.
The new look Pelicans have the ammunition to contend in the Western Conference. Acquiring Dejounte Murray was an important first step towards contender status, but New Orleans glaring needs still need addressed. New Orleans expected transition to small ball must pay off, or else jobs will be on the line and players on the move.