Future decisions hinge on these key New Orleans Pelicans players. Discover which post-All-Star Break performances will shape New Orleans' next era.
Taking an honest look at the New Orleans Pelicans' outlook after the All-Star break, they probably aren't playing for a playoff spot. That doesn't mean the games don't matter, though.
From development to influencing decision-making, all of the final 26 games of the season will play a role in the Pelicans' future.
Over that final stretch of the year, these will be the most important New Orleans players to pay attention to:
F Zion Williamson
Williamson is an interesting case, as he has been his entire career. New Orleans must decide if it wants to trade him and move on to the next era of their franchise.
A dominant final 26 games wouldn't even make their decision easier, but it will be crucial information.
The 25-year-old has played in 30 straight games for the first time in his career. If he can play the rest of the year, it would go a long way in showing that something did actually change.
It'll make it harder to trade him in the sense that he's still so good when he plays, but teams would certainly be more interested in him.
G Dejounte Murray
Murray might be an afterthought for the casual Pelicans fan, given that he hasn't played all year and has only had a handful of updates since tearing his Achilles last season.
The 29-year-old rejoined the team at practice right before the All-Star Break and is expected to return to the lineup sometime soon after.
Unlike Williamson, it's all but certain that New Orleans will be looking to trade Murray this offseason. There were reports that the Pelicans were going to trade him at the deadline, but no deal materialized.
Murray is due $32.8 million next season, with a $30.8 million player option the year after. For someone coming off an Achilles injury, they are going to need him to come back strong if they hope to get anything of value.
C Derik Queen and PG Jeremiah Fears
The rookies can be combined, because it's pretty much the same story for both of them. They appear to be the future of this franchise, but they need to finish the year out strong.
Queen is averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists with 49.1/27.8/77.7 splits. His rebounding skills have gotten better, and his playmaking is as impressive as ever. The worries are with defensive ability/effort and shot consistency.
Fears is averaging 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 42.9/32.4/81.4 from the field. He was recently moved to the bench and has responded well. He needs to focus on his consistency as a shooter and playmaker over the end of this year.