Amid the wave of injuries that have struck the Pelicans early in the season — including Zion Williamson’s latest hamstring issue — Green believes the team’s struggles go beyond their physical setbacks. According to the veteran forward, the core problem lies in the absence of their true leader, Dejounte Murray.

Jordan Poole is also expected to miss time with a strained quadriceps, but Green made it clear he wasn’t referring to him. Instead, he emphasized that Murray’s leadership is what keeps New Orleans together — and his absence has left a massive void. Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, he stressed how much the Pelicans miss their floor general.

“You’re fighting an uphill battle when your best players aren’t healthy,” Green said. “Dejounte [Murray] is still out. Dejounte is the leader of that team — make no mistake about it. Just like every other team he’s ever been on, he’s the leader. You show me any team in the NBA that loses its leader, and I’ll show you a team that’s going to struggle.”

Why Zion isn’t the leader, according to Draymond

Green added that while most organizations tend to designate their best player as the team leader, that doesn’t necessarily make it true — and he pointed to the Pelicans as a prime example. For him, Murray’s presence complements Zion’s talent and provides the leadership structure the team needs.

“In this league, we always want to make the best player the leader,” Green continued. “Everybody wants to make Zion [Williamson] the leader, but Zion isn’t the leader. Dejounte Murray is the leader of that team. You show me any team that loses its leader, and I’ll show you a team that’s going to struggle.”

Murray suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during his first year with the Pelicans last NBA season. After being traded from the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the 2024–25 campaign, the 28-year-old guard was eager for a fresh start in New Orleans. Unfortunately, his season-ending injury joined a growing list of devastating Achilles tears across the league, including Portland’s Damian Lillard, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton.

The Pelicans will now have to navigate the coming months without Murray, hoping that Zion Williamson can step up and prove Green wrong by establishing himself as both the emotional and on-court leader the franchise desperately needs.

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, Zion Williamson is unlikely to feature in the game against the Denver Nuggets. The latest injury report lists him as questionable, diminishing hopes of his appearance in this pivotal matchup.

Williamson’s absence today would be notable, given his impressive contributions in the team’s first two games, where he averaged an exceptional 27 points per game along with 9.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 4.0 blocks. His early-season form has positioned him as a key player for the Pelicans.

Alongside teammate Jordan Poole, Williamson is a crucial figure, capable of turning the tide in any game. Under the strategic guidance of head coach Willie Green, Zion remains focused on enhancing his offensive prowess, reinforcing his critical role within the team’s overall strategy.

The rest of the injury report for tonight’s game

As the Pelicans patiently await the return of Williamson for this pivotal matchup, they will have to contend with the absence of four additional players for their game against the Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Kevon Looney (left knee sprain), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), Trey Alexander (G League two-way), and Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way) are all confirmed as unavailable, leaving head coach Willie Green short-handed as they prepare to face Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets.

Nuggets’ injury report

While the Pelicans are missing several key players, the Nuggets will head into the matchup with their starting lineup intact, although they will still be without a few other contributors.

Cameron Johnson is listed as questionable with right shoulder inflammation. Meanwhile, DaRon Holmes (G League on assignment – Out), Tamar Bates (G League two-way – Out), and Curtis Jones (G League two-way – Out) have been ruled out, limiting the options available to head coach David Adelman for the showdown against New Orleans.

According to Molly Morrison, Zion Williamson missed the chance in the 2024-25 NBA season to guarantee the remaining three years of his contract because he did not play enough games. Now, the 25-year-old star must pass weight and body fat checks six times per season. Passing all assessments secures the remaining 20% of his salary for the next season. For every 10 games he plays, he reportedly earns 20% of his salary, achieving full salary guarantee at 61 games.

Although a physical transformation is not a surefire way to prevent injuries, Zion Williamson is committed to restoring consistency in his game. Doing so could elevate him once more to the league’s most exciting talents. Despite frequent injury setbacks, the 25-year-old phenom consistently showcases his scoring prowess. Remarkably, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season, appearing in just 30 games.

In case Zion plays over 61 games in the upcoming seasons, he could earn a substantial $87.06 million for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. This financial incentive might reveal the most focused Zion we’ve seen in years. He’s reportedly at his lowest weight since entering the NBA, suggesting renewed commitment to his fitness. This pivotal moment could redefine his career, positioning him as a leading force in the league or relegating him to a bench role.

Can the Pelicans secure a 2026 NBA playoff spot with Zion Williamson?

The New Orleans Pelicans executed bold moves this offseason. The front office traded CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to acquire Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, aiming for immediate impact. Additionally, the arrivals of Kevon Looney and Jaden Springer bolster their bench depth. Despite these strategic additions, head coach Willie Green needs more firepower to clinch a playoff berth.

While the Pelicans enhanced their roster effectively, Zion Williamson remains their only difference-maker star in the lineup. His ability to stay healthy and continue delivering top-tier performances is crucial. If the 25-year-old star maintains his physical fitness and scoring prowess, the team has a real shot at returning to the playoffs and making the deep run that fans have long anticipated.

But not everyone is impressed with Williamson’s timing. Former Milwaukee Bucks champion and All-Star Jeff Teague voiced harsh criticism on his Club 520 podcast, questioning why Williamson waited until a contract year to fully commit to his fitness.

“This is probably the dumbest press conference I’ve heard in my life,” Teague said. “All of this is because of you. You choose to eat, be out of shape, all that. Now, all of a sudden, it’s a contract year, probably looking for an extension. All of a sudden, he is in shape, and he said they believe in me”.

Teague also stressed that Williamson is being paid a massive salary to stay in shape, adding that the very least expected of him is to maintain proper conditioning.

“Fool, they gave you a max deal. They’ve been believing in you. They had to put a lot of options in his contract because you didn’t believe in you. That’s dumb as hell, that press conference is dumb. You get paid damn near $40 million a year to be in shape. I just like you do a press conference and say, ‘I feel the best I ever felt since college.’ You chose to feel that way. You could have been like this for three years,” Teague added.

Pelicans hoping for breakthrough season

The Pelicans are aiming to take the next step this year and reach the conference finals for the first time in franchise history. Williamson’s physical transformation is fueling optimism, but so are the team’s offseason moves.

New Orleans re-signed defensive anchor Herbert Jones to a three-year deal and added Saddiq Bey to bolster the rotation. They also brought in two former Golden State Warriors champions—Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole—hoping to add veteran experience and championship pedigree.

For his part, Williamson has sent a warning to opponents, insisting he hasn’t felt this good physically since his college days. “Yo, this feels good. This feels good. I haven’t felt like this since college, high school—just where I can walk in the gym and I’m like, ‘I feel good,’” Williamson said at Pelicans media day.

Since entering the league as the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson has missed more games (268) than he’s played (214). Last season alone, he suited up for just 30 contests in a year where the Pelicans managed only 21 wins. Alongside injuries, questions about his conditioning have followed him for years.

But at the Pelicans’ Media Day, Williamson looked noticeably leaner and more confident, crediting a new training plan that’s helped him rediscover his explosiveness.

“We came up with a plan. From boxing to working out on the football field a lot. It’s just different, random workouts. And during that time frame last year, I really felt the shift in my body to where I was looking [at myself] and going, ‘Yo this feels good. This feels good.’ I haven’t felt like this since college, high school just where I can walk in the gym and I’m like, ‘I feel good,’” Williamson said during Pelicans’ Media Day.

It’s undeniable that Williamson possesses elite talent, but injuries have consistently kept him from showcasing his full potential at the NBA level the way he did in college.

Despite appearing in only 30 games last season, he still averaged an impressive 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest. If he can stay healthy for a full campaign, the Pelicans will have a legitimate chance to return to the playoffs.

Trey Murphy III on Williamson’s weight loss

Williamson’s physical transformation on Media Day didn’t go unnoticed by reporters — or by his teammates. Forward Trey Murphy III highlighted the former No. 1 pick’s improved conditioning and mindset.

“He’s slimmer than I have ever seen him during the summertime, which is always a really good sign, and I just feel like he’s in a really good place mentally,” Murphy said, via Pelicans Film Room on X (formerly Twitter).

Williamson’s fitness has long been a focal point of criticism alongside his injury history. But with his improved shape heading into the new season, Pelicans fans have renewed optimism that the team can make a serious push back to the playoffs.

The player officially moving on from the Warriors is Kevon Looney, who entered free agency this offseason and was unlikely to receive a new deal to stay with Curry. He is reportedly finalizing a two-year contract with the Pelicans.

“Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar and the Pelicans reached a deal tonight for the three-time NBA champion who departs Golden State after 10 years,” reported Shams Charania on X.

Curry Must Move Forward Without Looney

It’s true that Looney left a significant mark on the Warriors franchise, and Curry will likely miss him. However, the team must move forward and find a player to fill that void. An ideal candidate could be Al Horford, as suggested by Ohm Youngmisuk on ESPN.

Pelicans Gain Veteran Experience

Looney could provide Williamson and the Pelicans with a valuable injection of experience on the roster. He’s a player who has navigated injuries and was a key part of a three-championship dynasty with the Warriors – no easy feat. He has consistently been the perfect bench player to support his team.

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft showed flashes of his All-Star potential before suffering an untimely injury that disrupted both his rhythm and the team’s momentum. Yet, the Pelicans still appear committed to the Spartanburg Day School product, reportedly viewing him as a cornerstone investment moving forward.

According to The Athletic’s Will Guillory, Williamson has held multiple conversations with the team’s revamped front office, interactions that signal mutual optimism about solidifying a long-term relationship. “Zion Williamson and the Pelicans’ new front office have spoken several times already and feel good about where things stand,” Guillory reported.

Further fueling speculation of a renewed commitment, Williamson represented the franchise at this year’s NBA Draft Lottery, a symbolic gesture not lost on fans or league insiders. “Williamson representing them at the lottery was intentional to show both sides are moving forward together,” wrote Evan Sidery of Forbes on X.

Williamson’s 2024-25 campaign ended prematurely due to a season-ending injury, but the Pelicans star still managed to make a significant impact before going down. Despite the setback, his numbers remained close to his career averages since entering the league in 2019.

Zion Williamson – 2024-25 Season Stats:

• Games Played (GP): 30
• Games Started (GS): 30
• Minutes Per Game (MPG): 28.6
• Points Per Game (PPG): 24.6
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 7.2
• Assists Per Game (APG): 5.3
• Steals Per Game (SPG): 1.2
• Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.9
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 56.7%
• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 23.1%
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 65.6%

With Williamson working toward a full recovery, the Pelicans are reportedly exploring options to bolster the roster around him. While no specific names have emerged, the front office seems committed to adding depth ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced in Europe linking one of New Orleans’ current players to Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce. Although no deal has been confirmed, multiple reports suggest discussions between the team and CJ McCollum have taken place in recent days, with the player reportedly open to a move overseas.

Irving led all scorers with 35 points, adding two rebounds and four assists in Dallas’ victory. However, Williamson believes Murphy should keep his head high despite Irving’s elite performance.

“Obviously, we’ve seen the offensive progression in Trey’s game, in terms of attacking the basket and becoming a three-level scorer,” Williamson said. “But defensively and as a leader, he’s grown a lot. Taking on the assignment of wanting to guard Kyrie is a big step.”

“Granted, Kyrie had the game he had, but just taking that initiative and thinking about the future shows a lot of leadership. Trey is evolving in all areas—offensively, defensively, and as a leader.”

Zion on the modern NBA’s defensive challenges

Williamson also reflected on how defensive strategies in today’s NBA allow star players more freedom to adapt their styles. He emphasized the importance of building a strong defensive core for the Pelicans‘ future success.

“It’s big-time,” Williamson said. “You look at the teams that have won championships—their best guy is able to switch one through four, sometimes even guard a five depending on the matchup. That’s what we need to build on for the future and the rest of the season.”

Building chemistry: Williamson confident in Kelly Olynyk’s fit

In addition to praising Murphy, Williamson expressed confidence that recent acquisition Kelly Olynyk will quickly integrate into the team’s system. “He reads the game really well,” Williamson noted. “A-Miles (assistant coach Aaron Miles) was in our ear about ‘when I flash, look for the high-low.’ It’s not something we’ve really incorporated much, but with someone like Kelly—who has a high basketball IQ—he’s always looking to make the right pass. I don’t think it’ll take long at all for our chemistry to click.”

Despite their ongoing struggles, the Pelicans remain focused on player development, with Williamson at the center of their long-term vision for next seasons in the NBA.

“Let me make this clear to everyone there. If I can play in the back-to-backs, I would. Physically? Yes, I can,” Williamson stated during an interview shared by Bleacher Report on X, affirming his willingness to be on the court even in physically demanding situations.

“But I work for the Pelicans,” Zion immediately explained, before revealing the reason behind his limited participation. “They have decided that based on the numbers, it’s not smart to do that right now.”

Despite this, the 24-year-old forward expressed his support for the Pelicans‘ decision. “If that’s how they feel, I’m rocking with them on that,” he said, while acknowledging that his personal preference might differ. “If I could play in a back-to-back, I would.”

Zion Williamson’s numbers this season

Williamson has been a focal point of criticism this season, largely due to his limited appearances with the team. Earlier in the campaign, he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks, hindering his ability to establish consistency on the court.

With over half of the season now complete, Zion has played in just 13 of the Pelicans’ 48 games. Even when he has been available, his presence hasn’t been enough to turn the team’s fortunes around, as the Pelicans have posted a 4-9 record in those games, which is marginally better than their overall 12-36 record.

Despite the team’s struggles, Williamson leads New Orleans in several statistical categories, including points per game (23.6), ahead of teammates Trey Murphy II, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. Additionally, he contributes 8.2 rebounds per game, further showcasing his value when healthy.

The season is already lost for the Pelicans

With a 12-36 record, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves second-to-last in the Western Conference. It’s become clear that playoff contention is no longer a realistic goal for this season. Given the situation, prioritizing the health of Zion Williamson appears to be the most logical course of action.

While his contributions are valuable, they alone are unlikely to alter the team’s trajectory this season. Therefore, protecting his physical well-being and positioning the team for a potential rebound next year seems to be the best path forward.

That’s why, more often than not, they’ve had some of the best players in the nation. They’re a blue-collar program with a plethora of NBA players in their history books.

With that in mind, the legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski shared his thoughts on the hype surrounding their two latest superstars: Zion Williamson and Cooper Flagg.

Coach K compares Cooper Flagg and Zion Williamson

“[Cooper Flagg] has been amazing, really. There’s not even a glimpse of anything negative,” Coach K said. “There’s no negative DNA in his room. He came in with hype, not as much as Zion because Zion’s was his like you couldn’t believe that body type could do all that.”

Unfortunately, Williamson hasn’t been able to find that same success in the league. While spectacular when he plays, he’s been hurt more often than not so far.

There have also been some major concerns about his work ethic, eating habits, and overall feel for the game. Hopefully, that won’t be the case with Flagg, who has everything to be a star.

NBA legend Scottie Pippen did not hold back when discussing Zion Williamson’s uncertain future in the league. “I don’t see it happening. I don’t know how much longer he’s going to be on the court,“ Pippen remarked. His blunt assessment underscores growing concerns about Williamson’s durability and ability to fulfill the sky-high expectations placed upon him as a former No. 1 pick.

Pippen also took aim at the New Orleans Pelicans, criticizing their handling of the situation. “I think that the organization has bent over backwards to maintain some professionalism,” he said. Despite the team’s efforts, Pippen suggested that Williamson has not demonstrated the commitment required to excel at the highest level. His repeated absences and apparent lack of effort are fueling serious doubts about his future.

While injuries have undeniably hindered Zion’s progress, Pippen believes the issues run deeper. “He’s not even working to be a professional basketball player,” he asserted. This sharp critique raises questions about Williamson’s discipline and preparation, sparking debate among fans and analysts about whether he is doing enough to maximize his talent.

At just 24 years old, Williamson still has time to change the narrative. However, the NBA is a league that rewards hard work and consistency, and the window for him to prove himself is narrowing. If he fails to meet those demands soon, the Pelicans and their fans may have no choice but to envision a future without the once-promising superstar.

Zion Williamson’s NBA journey: A promising youngster impacted by injuries

Zion Williamson’s NBA career has been marked by challenges with injuries, limiting his time on the court since his rookie season. In his first year, he appeared in just 24 games. However, last season marked a significant milestone, as Williamson suited up for 70 games, the highest number of appearances in a single season during his career.

On 2023/24 NBA season, Zion Williamson reminded everyone of his immense potential with a string of standout performances. However, his most dominant campaign came during the 2020-21 NBA season, when he averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, showcasing his ability to be a game-changing force. While concerns about his durability persist, Williamson’s on-court impact continues to inspire optimism among fans and analysts alike.

In the 2024-25 NBA season, Williamson is currently averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, proving he remains a reliable offensive contributor for the New Orleans Pelicans. His performances this year suggest he still has the capability to be a cornerstone player if he can stay healthy and consistent.