Here is a look at a projected New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup ahead of players reporting for training camp.
The New Orleans Pelicans players arrive for media day and to kick off training camp next week, which makes this a great chance to take another look at what the starting lineup looks like heading into it. This is a new coaching staff, and really anything could happen, but here is the expected starting lineup:
PG Dejounte Murray
It would be a massive surprise not to see Murray starting when the season begins. He is a respected veteran who has one of the best balances of offensive and defensive values on the roster. Given the emphasis that this coaching staff has made on defense all offseason, starting Murray over Jeremiah Fears at the one gives them the best chance to compete right away. Fears is someone who could turn heads at camp, though.
G/F Trey Murphy
Murphy is a must-start for this team. Though they aren't the same players, Mosley and his staff could have him next to Zion Williamson as a focal point, similar to how they had Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. There is a reason why the Pelicans fended off all those teams that wanted to acquire Murphy this offseason; they want to use him. The 26-year-old posted 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 47.0/37.9/88.6 shooting splits. Another jump this year could find him on an All-Star roster.
G/F Herbert Jones
Jones is another player who seems to be a perfect fit for what Mosley wants to accomplish this year. He is a defensive ace who has been the heart and soul of the team when he is on the floor in recent years. The past two seasons, though, have seen him struggle with injury and shoot poorly from three. Those are two things that he'll need to curb this time around.
F Zion Williamson
Williamson made a ton of progress last year with his health. Now they need that to continue, along with adding a bit more variety to his offensive game. Even if he doesn't magically add a mid-range shot, though, he should remain ultra-efficient at the rim. If they had more spacing around him, it wouldn't matter as much.
C Yves Missi
This is a spot that has been a little bit contentious, but continuing with the defensive theme, Missi makes the most sense to start the year. As stated a couple of times recently, though, Derik Queen could make some noise in camp and push for them to get him out on the court. At worst, though, Missi provides rim protection and should be an improving rebounder as well.
