NBA · Southwest · New Orleans, Louisiana, US · Smoothie King Center
Born from Charlotte's loss and rebranded with New Orleans's most iconic bird, the Pelicans are the NBA's youngest franchise identity - a team still writing its origin story in a city whose resilience and cultural richness demand a basketball team worthy of the Big Easy.
Updated March 21, 2026
Zion Williamson's availability has once again been the Pelicans' biggest frustration, with the former No. 1 pick missing significant time due to various ailments. When on the court, he's a force of nature—but those appearances have been far too rare. New Orleans is running out of patience, and questions about Zion's long-term viability as a franchise cornerstone are louder than ever.
Brandon Ingram's future in New Orleans has been a subject of speculation all season, with his contract situation and fit alongside Zion still unresolved. He's a talented scorer capable of carrying the offense for stretches, but the Pelicans need to decide if he's part of the long-term plan. The uncertainty has hung over the team like a cloud.
The Pelicans fired head coach Willie Green after a 2-10 start, making him the first coach fired during the 2025-26 season. James Borrego, the former Hornets head coach, was named interim coach and is expected to lead the team for the remainder of the year. The coaching change has not solved the underlying roster issues, and the offseason will bring difficult decisions about the franchise's direction.