The New Orleans Pelicans are trapped in a special dungeon of their own design. Not only are they stuck with the constantly-injured Zion Williamson, but they don’t control their draft pick in 2026.
For a win-now team, that wouldn’t be a disaster. For the Pelicans, whose lone bright spot has been rookie Jeremiah Fears, missing out on the 2026 draft is a horrendous missed opportunity.
At 2-6, the Pelicans have the fifth-best odds to land the top pick. That selection is owed to the Atlanta Hawks, who traded Derik Queen for the selection. With recent injury news, things in New Orleans will get a lot worse before they get better.
GettyMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 03: Jordan Poole of the Pelicans celebrates a basket during the NBAxNBL match between Melbourne United and New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena on October 03, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans Get Jordan Poole Injury Update
In seven games this season, Jordan Poole has averaged 17.3 points and 3.4 assists. His scoring efficiency has taken a hit, but he is one of only a few proven veterans on the Pelicans this season.
For the immediate future, Poole will be on the bench as he deals with a quad injury.
Over the summer, the Pelicans traded Mojave King, CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a 2027 2nd round draft pick for Poole, whose time with the Washington Wizards wore thin. The Pelicans also added veterans Kevon Looney and DeAndre Jordan with the hopes that proven winners could show the young roster the ropes.
Instead, seemingly as always, the Pelicans have been one of the more disappointing and unreliable teams in the NBA.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 22: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 22, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans Are Trapped
Williamson has basically no trade value around the league. The Pelicans don’t have immediate draft capital to flip for a star or select for the future. Their current roster is battered, bruised, and not capable of playing winning basketball, even if they were healthy.
The Pelicans have a culture of losing, and every move they make seems to be cursed. Olynyk signed a deal with the San Antonio Spurs this offseason to be Victor Wembanyama’s backup, and McCollum is the reliable veteran in Washington that New Orleans wanted.
As the Western Conference got better and better, the Pelicans tried a series of moves to win now and stay afloat. Now, with their future belonging to other teams, New Orleans can’t even pump the brakes on this season and wait to rebuild organically.
Fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a big break. Without trade chips and free agent lures, this is the roster New Orleans will be stuck with for the next few seasons.
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