Pelicans Season In Review
Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:42 am
Play-In Game Falls Short
All-Star Anfernee Simons had the Pelicans looking up at the play-in game
A thrilling three-game win streak propelled the Pelicans to the Play-In game, where a heartbreaking 11/27 from the free throw line doomed New Orleans to a disappointing 7-point loss that saw New Orleans win 3 out of 4 quarters, melting down in the third quarter.
Tough loss - as tough as the 10 game losing streak that imperiled what once was a comfortable play-in spot. But it's the mark of a rising team nonetheless.
Point Guard
Anfernee Simons - 21.8 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1 steal - 44% shooting - 91.9% Drive Stop Rate, 0.96 PA/SF
Became the first All-Star in a long time for a Jestor-led team. The Thunder of the vaunted Thunder and Lightning backcourt, his two-way game helped elevate New Orleans to heights they haven't seen in quite some time. Initially signed with the intention to flip him, there were no takers on the market for last year's CSL starting champion point guard, so the team stuck with him.
Jason Preston
Improved on his abysmal shooting numbers from Washington, but it's an open question as to whether he'll be back next season or cut loose. He's a player who might be best suited to a Balanced offense (the Wizards also run a Grind system). Was a solid defender, though.
Hugo Besson
Showed off excellent shooting ability, and his NET at -0.1 was much better than Preston's. Was weaker defensively, but at 23 years old and presumably with a low asking price, could be the one to return as a better system fit. Both returning seems unlikely unless for the right price. Played the backup SG, as Preston had slightly better defense and handles. Could project as a combo guard.
Bones Hyland
Got almost no playing time. Won't be back even as a third-string.
Shooting Guard
Tyrese Maxey - 18 points, 4.5 assists, 1 steal - 42.5%, 41.4% from 3 point range - 82.6% Drive Stop Rate, 0.94 PA/SF
Turned the corner on his shooting efficiency as teams were forced to not collapse on the Lightning or they'd be hammered by Simons' Thunder. Missed a number of games due to injuries this season, and the offense suffered immensely without his 3 point shooting threat. Continued to play much better defense than people give him credit for. Got some All-Star consideration, and will likely be in the conversation for Most Improved Player.
Dikembe Dixson
Jestor's old favorite was brought back as a veteran min-sal signing and played backup SF. His midrange game was strong, helping the bench unit fight to a slight negative overall. The loss in quickness was apparent on the defensive end, however, as he was torched repeatedly despite normally being a reliable defender. At turning 32, if he comes back, it'd be on a one-year min-sal.
Small Forward
Aaron Wiggins
His stats do not pop out on the page, but his efficiency was once again God-tier for a wing and his defense was solid. More importantly, the positive lineups all featured the veteran at SF. Its enough of a conundrum that the front office is internally debating whether to pick up his $8 million team option. Same story everywhere he's played - he just makes the team around him better.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
His stats didn't wow anyone (7.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and a steal - 43.4% shooting, 32.3% behind the arc), but the rookie showed real promise playing as the starting PF for most of the season. Got bullied considerably on the defensive end (his 1.05 PA/SF was worst on the team). Might ultimately end up being dealt if he can't become a SF. Certainly one to watch to see what his career turns into.
Power Forward
Princepal Singh
You look at the great scoring and shooting numbers off the bench and the solid defensive metrics, and you're thinking "Wow, amazing player." But then you look at the lineup stats and you see he's really struggled to have a positive effect, revenge 30 point game against Chicago aside. There may well be a reason the Heat and Bulls traded him off. Look for a potential sign and trade this offseason.
Mouhamed Gueye
Really inconsistent with his shooting, though he does have some ability out to 3 point range. Also did very well as a starter with the rest of the four players, and his defensive metrics were solid. There's probably just enough here to merit picking up his 4th year option and keeping him stashed as a bench big option.
Center
Victor "Wemby" Wembanyama - 10.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks - 43.7%, 34% 3 point - 0.83 PA/SF
You can see the growth developing and translating to much improved play. But he's still not developed into the franchise player and the expected third star alongside Thunder and Lightning that some fans were hoping for this season. Was the subject of numerous trade rumors through the season, but ultimately, he'll stay. The upside is simply too great.
Zach Collins
Incredibly reliable, solid veteran who saw his minutes cut once the next player entered the list. His option will be declined and he'll be renounced to hit the market - probably on an MLE deal from a contender.
Moses Brown
Not the best shooter, and his defensive metrics were also outclassed by Collins. But then you look at the lineup numbers and he just fits really seamlessly into this group of players, posting a positive Net Rating or close to it with just about every lineup he's in. And his 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 10/18 shooting while forcing Asjborn Mitgaard to foul out in the loss to Utah in the play-in game kept the Pelicans in it. There's a very strong likelihood New Orleans picks up his team option if the financials work out for having a full max.
Isiah Hartenstein
Suited up for the play-in game. Didn't play.
Overall Outlook - Starting Lineup
PG: Simons
SG: Maxey
This backcourt is here to stay long-term (at least by Jestor standards). They play perfectly off one another and have made the New Orleans offense really fun to watch with their exciting play.
SF: ?
The big question. The tea leaves suggest Wiggins will be declined and renounced. OMP will get his shot in preseason again to prove that he can play the 3, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them target this position in the draft and FA.
PF: Brown? OMP? Gueye?
There's a number of different options to consider here. All three potential starters had positive Net Ratings with the rest of the lineup, with Brown and Gueye actually out-pointing OMP. This is going to be one of the intriguing battles to watch in preseason. Definitely not a priority for the draft or FA - other than perhaps retaining Singh if the price is right.
CE: Wemby
Duh.
Overall Outlook - Bench
Literally only Gueye is locked in to a contract next year. Everyone else is either on an option or a free agent. Collins, Hartenstein, and Hyland are guaranteed to be playing elsewhere next year. Brown is probably going to return. Preston, Singh, Dixson, and Besson are in the maybe category. There's definitely going to be a lot of changes here.
Overall Outlook - Draft Picks
A lottery selection and pick 24 or 25, depending on tiebreaks between New York and Miami. Pick 34 (Orlando) and another high pick (their own) in the 2nd round. The lottery selection will most likely be BPA - even if a PF - and the later 1st rounder a PG, SG, or SF. Look for the 2nd round picks to be anything but PF as bench players.
Overall Outlook - Free Agency
9 players will be on the roster come free agency, assuming no trades (Simons/Maxey/OMP/Gueye/Wemby + 4 draft picks), and over $20 million in cap space (how much is TBD). Look for the Pelicans to swing for the fences on an impact player who fits their situation like with Simons last year. If they strike out, no worries - they still have next offseason before Maxey re-signs (whether outright or via match) to still pick up players, and with so many young players on cheap contracts on the roster, there's a possibility it could even extend out another offseason if they strike out two offseasons in a row during Wemby's RFA summer.
All-Star Anfernee Simons had the Pelicans looking up at the play-in game
A thrilling three-game win streak propelled the Pelicans to the Play-In game, where a heartbreaking 11/27 from the free throw line doomed New Orleans to a disappointing 7-point loss that saw New Orleans win 3 out of 4 quarters, melting down in the third quarter.
Tough loss - as tough as the 10 game losing streak that imperiled what once was a comfortable play-in spot. But it's the mark of a rising team nonetheless.
Point Guard
Anfernee Simons - 21.8 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1 steal - 44% shooting - 91.9% Drive Stop Rate, 0.96 PA/SF
Became the first All-Star in a long time for a Jestor-led team. The Thunder of the vaunted Thunder and Lightning backcourt, his two-way game helped elevate New Orleans to heights they haven't seen in quite some time. Initially signed with the intention to flip him, there were no takers on the market for last year's CSL starting champion point guard, so the team stuck with him.
Jason Preston
Improved on his abysmal shooting numbers from Washington, but it's an open question as to whether he'll be back next season or cut loose. He's a player who might be best suited to a Balanced offense (the Wizards also run a Grind system). Was a solid defender, though.
Hugo Besson
Showed off excellent shooting ability, and his NET at -0.1 was much better than Preston's. Was weaker defensively, but at 23 years old and presumably with a low asking price, could be the one to return as a better system fit. Both returning seems unlikely unless for the right price. Played the backup SG, as Preston had slightly better defense and handles. Could project as a combo guard.
Bones Hyland
Got almost no playing time. Won't be back even as a third-string.
Shooting Guard
Tyrese Maxey - 18 points, 4.5 assists, 1 steal - 42.5%, 41.4% from 3 point range - 82.6% Drive Stop Rate, 0.94 PA/SF
Turned the corner on his shooting efficiency as teams were forced to not collapse on the Lightning or they'd be hammered by Simons' Thunder. Missed a number of games due to injuries this season, and the offense suffered immensely without his 3 point shooting threat. Continued to play much better defense than people give him credit for. Got some All-Star consideration, and will likely be in the conversation for Most Improved Player.
Dikembe Dixson
Jestor's old favorite was brought back as a veteran min-sal signing and played backup SF. His midrange game was strong, helping the bench unit fight to a slight negative overall. The loss in quickness was apparent on the defensive end, however, as he was torched repeatedly despite normally being a reliable defender. At turning 32, if he comes back, it'd be on a one-year min-sal.
Small Forward
Aaron Wiggins
His stats do not pop out on the page, but his efficiency was once again God-tier for a wing and his defense was solid. More importantly, the positive lineups all featured the veteran at SF. Its enough of a conundrum that the front office is internally debating whether to pick up his $8 million team option. Same story everywhere he's played - he just makes the team around him better.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
His stats didn't wow anyone (7.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and a steal - 43.4% shooting, 32.3% behind the arc), but the rookie showed real promise playing as the starting PF for most of the season. Got bullied considerably on the defensive end (his 1.05 PA/SF was worst on the team). Might ultimately end up being dealt if he can't become a SF. Certainly one to watch to see what his career turns into.
Power Forward
Princepal Singh
You look at the great scoring and shooting numbers off the bench and the solid defensive metrics, and you're thinking "Wow, amazing player." But then you look at the lineup stats and you see he's really struggled to have a positive effect, revenge 30 point game against Chicago aside. There may well be a reason the Heat and Bulls traded him off. Look for a potential sign and trade this offseason.
Mouhamed Gueye
Really inconsistent with his shooting, though he does have some ability out to 3 point range. Also did very well as a starter with the rest of the four players, and his defensive metrics were solid. There's probably just enough here to merit picking up his 4th year option and keeping him stashed as a bench big option.
Center
Victor "Wemby" Wembanyama - 10.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks - 43.7%, 34% 3 point - 0.83 PA/SF
You can see the growth developing and translating to much improved play. But he's still not developed into the franchise player and the expected third star alongside Thunder and Lightning that some fans were hoping for this season. Was the subject of numerous trade rumors through the season, but ultimately, he'll stay. The upside is simply too great.
Zach Collins
Incredibly reliable, solid veteran who saw his minutes cut once the next player entered the list. His option will be declined and he'll be renounced to hit the market - probably on an MLE deal from a contender.
Moses Brown
Not the best shooter, and his defensive metrics were also outclassed by Collins. But then you look at the lineup numbers and he just fits really seamlessly into this group of players, posting a positive Net Rating or close to it with just about every lineup he's in. And his 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 10/18 shooting while forcing Asjborn Mitgaard to foul out in the loss to Utah in the play-in game kept the Pelicans in it. There's a very strong likelihood New Orleans picks up his team option if the financials work out for having a full max.
Isiah Hartenstein
Suited up for the play-in game. Didn't play.
Overall Outlook - Starting Lineup
PG: Simons
SG: Maxey
This backcourt is here to stay long-term (at least by Jestor standards). They play perfectly off one another and have made the New Orleans offense really fun to watch with their exciting play.
SF: ?
The big question. The tea leaves suggest Wiggins will be declined and renounced. OMP will get his shot in preseason again to prove that he can play the 3, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them target this position in the draft and FA.
PF: Brown? OMP? Gueye?
There's a number of different options to consider here. All three potential starters had positive Net Ratings with the rest of the lineup, with Brown and Gueye actually out-pointing OMP. This is going to be one of the intriguing battles to watch in preseason. Definitely not a priority for the draft or FA - other than perhaps retaining Singh if the price is right.
CE: Wemby
Duh.
Overall Outlook - Bench
Literally only Gueye is locked in to a contract next year. Everyone else is either on an option or a free agent. Collins, Hartenstein, and Hyland are guaranteed to be playing elsewhere next year. Brown is probably going to return. Preston, Singh, Dixson, and Besson are in the maybe category. There's definitely going to be a lot of changes here.
Overall Outlook - Draft Picks
A lottery selection and pick 24 or 25, depending on tiebreaks between New York and Miami. Pick 34 (Orlando) and another high pick (their own) in the 2nd round. The lottery selection will most likely be BPA - even if a PF - and the later 1st rounder a PG, SG, or SF. Look for the 2nd round picks to be anything but PF as bench players.
Overall Outlook - Free Agency
9 players will be on the roster come free agency, assuming no trades (Simons/Maxey/OMP/Gueye/Wemby + 4 draft picks), and over $20 million in cap space (how much is TBD). Look for the Pelicans to swing for the fences on an impact player who fits their situation like with Simons last year. If they strike out, no worries - they still have next offseason before Maxey re-signs (whether outright or via match) to still pick up players, and with so many young players on cheap contracts on the roster, there's a possibility it could even extend out another offseason if they strike out two offseasons in a row during Wemby's RFA summer.
