The New Orleans Pelicans have dropped five straight games, and while the front office has no control over their own first-round pick, they should still embrace the tank. By embracing the tank, that doesn't mean losing every game—it means allowing their young core to rock out over the final six games. At this point, playing Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson for 30+ minutes per game holds no value. But what does hold value is letting the young core get real reps and develop skills that can benefit the team next season and long-term.
Since the Pelicans are officially out of the running for the play-in spot and the front office is trading away part of their future to bring in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the draft, why not let them star the show?
If the front office is as invested in these two as the trade they made for Queen’s draft rights during the 2025 NBA Draft suggests, then they need to step in.
The Pelicans need to focus on development over wins
When you have an interim head coach like James Borrego, every game, even at this point in the season, matters more than it does for most teams. With each win, he can strengthen his case as to why he should be made a permanent option at head coach. But if the front office steps in and puts their foot down and says, ‘play the young guys,' what can Borrego really do?
By letting Fears and Queen be the focus, the Pelicans would only be making themselves stronger for the 2026-27 campaign. Whether the front office opts for a full teardown and rebuild around their 2025 rookies or decides to give this core at full health a real shot, these reps now for Fears and Queen are important. In the Pelicans' final six games, they see four playoff contenders/potential playoff teams. These matchups against the Trail Blazers, Magic, Celtics, and Timberwolves provide a good chance for the young talent on this roster to gather real experience.
It's become a consensus among Pelicans fans and on social media that, since moving to the bench, Fears has been incredible. He’s learned to play with more control, become more decisive with his passes, and improve his processing of the game. So why not give him a chance to start down the stretch?
Seeing Fears get real starter reps again after coming off the bench for 29 of his last 30 games would be a nice test for him and a good way to see the progress he's made. The same can be said about Derik Queen, who hasn't had the best second half of the season, but a change of role could help him end the season strong.
With just six games left in the season, it's time for the Pelicans to prioritize the youth. Sit Zion Williamson, let Dejounte Murray recharge, let Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones get a clean bill of health, and let the young guys rock out.