New Orleans Pelicans' Biggest Offseason Needs Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

The New Orleans Pelicans' big man trio of Zion Williamson, Derik Queen and Yves Missi shot a combined 24-of-93 (25.8 percent) from three last season, with Queen making 23 of these.

New Orleans could use a stretch-big to add to the mix, someone who can share the floor with either of the three and give everyone else some room to operate.

UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau is the type of player the Pelicans should target at the end of the second round. He made 46.4 percent of his threes last season on a healthy 4.5 attempts per game.

2025-26 Record: 26-56

Draft Pick: 58

Health (or Patience)

A lot of pundits and fans are clamoring for the New Orleans Pelicans to trade Trey Murphy III or even Zion Williamson.

But a total reset isn't quite as easy to justify as it was before Adam Silver instituted his new anti-tanking rules. And unless some organization blows New Orleans away with an offer it can't refuse, it might be worth it to see if this team can just play a couple of months together.

We've never really seen an extended stretch with Dejounte Murray, Murphy, Zion and Derik Queen all available. With Zion's injury history, maybe we never will.

But at least in theory, you can see how that group makes sense. And again, without much incentive to bottom out, the Pelicans might as well see if theory translates to practice.

Shooting

The Pelicans finished the season 27th in threes per game and 24th in three-point percentage. For a team with Zion, those numbers need to be higher.

Of course, he's not going to contribute much to either category, but he can pull defenses toward the basket and open up space for shooters outside.

Surrounding his slashing with more reliable shooters could supercharge his already dangerous game.

Rim Protection

New Orleans' perimeter defense has some potential with Murphy, Murray and Herb Jones, but starting Williamson and Queen could mean the rim is vulnerable.

Yves Missi can provide some of the rim protection the Pelicans need, but they could also use a weakside shot-blocker like Andrei Kirilenko or Gerald Wallace to help keep Queen on the floor.