New Orleans Pelicans' star power shifts in new rankings. Trey Murphy III ascends, Zion Williamson solidifies, while Herb Jones drops off the list.
The New Orleans Pelicans have stuck by their core of players despite their poor record, but it's understandable. When they are healthy, they have a ton of talent.
Entering the year, they had three stars included in The Ringer's Top 100 NBA Players ranking. The publication just updated its list ad two of those stars rose. The one that didn't fell out of the list completely, though.
Here's where the Pelicans players fall:
No. 49 - Trey Murphy III
Entered year ranked No. 58
Murphy has been spectacular in his fifth NBA season. He has gone from a rising star to a star, inarguably being the best player on the team. New Orleans is better both offensively and defensively with him on the court, for a +4.7 net rating.
Efficiency, volume, playmaking and confidence have all gone up this year for the former No. 17 pick. He is averaging 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists (all career highs) on 47.3/36.2/89.0 shooting splits.
There is a reason that so many teams have called and asked about Murphy at the trade deadline, but also a reason that the Pelicans haven't budged. He can be an important piece of the future of this team.
No. 59 - Zion Williamson
Entered year ranked No. 61
Slowly, fans in New Orleans are reaching that point again where Williamson feels too good to move on from. He has already played the third-most games in his career and has tied his longest consecutive game streak at 25.
Both sides of the argument make sense right now. He hasn't done enough to move past all of the injury troubles of his past. His defensive effort comes in waves. They're paying him a ton of money and never know when he is going to be available.
Williamson has done a lot of things right this year, though. He's stepped up as a leader, accepted that bench role when asked and has been great when healthy.
The star forward has averaged 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season.
Unranked - Herb Jones
Entered year ranked No. 97
It's unfortunate but understandable that Jones slipped a little bit down the list; it's not because of his level of play, though. He has been hit hard by injuries this year, but every Pelicans fan knows just how impactful he is.
Entering Saturday, New Orleans was 8-2 in the last 10 games that Jones has played in. The offense still comes sparingly, but his overall impact on the game outweighs any concerns there. The Pelicans are a +7.7 net rating with him on the court.