The math says Zion Williamson's injured New Orleans Pelicans have almost no chance of reaching the NBA Play-In Tournament. Dejounte Murray says otherwise. After spending 13 months recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Murray made his season debut on Tuesday and immediately took to social media with some bold announcements.
There will be no holidays in New Orleans. A handful of people in the organization, including Murray and broadcaster Antonio Daniels, suggest the Pelicans will make a push for the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot.
Murray posted on "Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get the last spot in them in the play-ins??? Duhhhh."
The All-Star point guard's postseason aspirations are, generously speaking, optimistic. The excitement after the start of the season is understandable; The reality is serious. New Orleans won two of their first three games after the NBA All-Star break and will soon have a fully healthy roster. According to Borrego, Murray's return actually added some 'balance' to the process.
However, the basement-dwelling Pelicans have less than two dozen games left to overcome their 11-game deficit. The schedule is manageable, but the bigger picture of what the LA Clippers are trying to pursue is undeniable.
Murray's henchmen are about to embark on a six-game road trip, although five of the next seven games are against lottery-bound squads looking to lose to improve their odds. Unfortunately, the Clippers have the third-easiest schedule to end the regular season. Still, the core of this team could build some momentum and chemistry that should be valuable next season, when the team hopes to compete for a top-six seed.
Pelicans moving towards stability
James Borrego's improved starting five features two All-Star-caliber veterans instead of two rookies. At least one current starter will be replaced when Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy become available, which should be soon.
“It's very complicated right now,” Borrego confessed. "It's going to be more complicated over the next game or two. It's a good problem; we've been waiting for it. We've got healthy bodies back, we're playing good basketball, and guys are confident right now. It's complicated, a puzzle I have to figure out night after night. I can't make 15 guys happy, but I know 15 guys are ready to go. And I have confidence in all 15. At any given moment, it's their night, your moment, “Maybe your quarter.”
The main points are becoming clear. Murray will run point for the next six weeks. Given the continued communication with Joe Dumars and the urgency to return to action, fans can expect the former All-Star to be in Metairie for training camp next September. Zion Williamson's value ahead of the NBA trade deadline was a wake-up call to the sagging face of the franchise. However, the front office has found a way to get Williamson on the court and smiling, so hopefully the experiment will be extended.
Fans can expect Williamson and Murray to take turns handling the ball and setting the table to create chances for everyone else. Herb Jones is beloved by fans, admired by teammates and feared by enemies around the world. Not on Herb for not starting the game on the bench. Trey Murphy III is arguably the best player in the Big Easy, and possibly the best shooter on the planet. His length and versatility fit him well on the wing opposite Jones.
Depending on the matchup, Yves Missy, Derrick Queen and Saddiq Bey will likely alternate as the fifth starter. Bey is a tactical play as a sixth man option to boost scoring off the bench. For example, it gives Jeremiah Fear a new outlet. However, the Pelicans have played from behind too often this season. Building momentum and allowing young players to thrive against other units is the only way to keep the play-in tournament dreams alive until March Madness begins.
The guard should be the first to keep fear off the bench. Murray is on a minutes restriction right now, and the recent first-round investment means the rookie will get significant development time on the court next season. Jordan Poole is clearly out of Borrego's metaphorical doghouse, but his potential with the team this postseason is limited. Expect Poole to punch out an average of about 20 minutes per night, depending on whether his shot is falling and passing is on point.
The queen and bay together should log about 50 minutes per night. The potential of that pair should be given time to develop. If the pool is playing a lot, Micah Peavy and Bruce McGowens are ready for a bigger role in getting the data. The Pelicans are getting serious about setting a new standard in every way. When Missy and Queen get tired or face obstacles, Karlo Matkovic substitutes the pace front court. Matkovic is still earning Borrego's trust in small increments.
It may not be enough to clinch the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot, but this gameplan gives the Pelicans a real chance to try for an NBA playoff spot next season. Joe Dumars has arguably walked away from some sensible offseason controversy if Poole and Jordan Hawkins are among those taking a pay cut.
Murray, Williamson, Murphy III and Queen have All-Star potential. Fear is a firecracker. Not on Herb could still win Defensive Player of the Year. Bey may have been the best buy-low deal bet of the last 12 months. The outline is there. He just needs one season without injuries to light the championship fire. The next six weeks are the lowest of low-pressure situations to show fans why they should still be excited about the viability of this foundation.
