The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2026-27 season with a largely unchanged roster after finishing the previous campaign with a 26-56 record. Under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, the team will rely on internal development and the core trio of Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy to reverse their trajectory, according to team depth chart analysis.
Jamahl Mosley’s Defensive Blueprint for the Pelicans
Jamahl Mosley takes over a team that struggled with consistency under interim head coach James Borrego. Last season, the Pelicans cycled through nine different players who started at least ten games, utilizing centerless and point guardless lineups in an attempt to find a winning formula. Borrego even moved Zion Williamson to the bench for seven games.
Mosley, known as a defense-first coach, is expected to prioritize a stable defensive foundation. This shift likely places Herb Jones and Yves Missi at the forefront of the starting rotation. According to roster projections, Mosley may favor these two for their defensive versatility, though the final two starting spots remain competitive among Jones, Missi, Saddiq Bey, and Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.
Did you know? The Pelicans’ lack of roster turnover is largely due to limited cap space and a thin market of available difference-makers, leaving Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver with few options for external upgrades.
The Core Trio: Murray, Williamson, and Murphy
While the supporting cast is in flux, the hierarchy at the top is clear. Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy are the three highest-paid players on the team, excluding Jordan Poole. Reports indicate these three are the definitive pillars the Pelicans will build around this season.
If the coach opts for a small-ball approach, Saddiq Bey could slide into the starting lineup in place of Missi. However, the core three are expected to maintain their roles as the primary engines of the offense.
Rotation Battle: Who Makes the Cut?
The Pelicans’ rotation is currently split between guaranteed minutes and players fighting for survival. Eight players—including the core trio, Jones, Missi, Bey, Fears, and Queen—are projected to see significant playing time and opportunities to close games.
The battle for the remaining minutes involves several fringe players:
- Jordan Poole: May receive early-season minutes to determine if he can revitalize his production.
- Karlo Matkovic: Viewed as a reliable backup capable of contributing on both ends.
- Bryce McGowens & Micah Peavy: Expected to compete for depth roles and injury replacements.
- Jordan Hawkins: Now in his fourth season, Hawkins faces a steep climb to earn minutes and is considered a primary candidate for a trade or cut.
- DeAndre Jordan: Currently on the roster primarily for his veteran presence in the locker room.
Pro Tip: Watch the early-season minutes for Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. After being benched by Borrego late last year, their ability to hold their spots under Mosley will be a key indicator of the team’s internal growth.
Roster Flexibility and the Final Spot
The Pelicans still hold one open roster spot. While a major addition is unlikely due to salary cap constraints, the team could fill this vacancy with second-round pick Jaron Pierre Jr. or a depth-piece free agent. Unless front-office executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver execute an unexpected trade, the current depth chart will likely remain intact for the 2026-27 season.
Pelicans Projected Depth Chart Overview
| Position | Primary Players |
|---|---|
| Point Guard | Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole |
| Wings/Forwards | Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Jordan Hawkins |
| Frontcourt | Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans?
Jamahl Mosley has replaced interim coach James Borrego.
Which players are expected to start?
Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy are the most likely starters, with the other two spots contested by Herb Jones, Yves Missi, and others.
Will the Pelicans add more players before the season?
There is one open roster spot that could be filled by Jaron Pierre Jr. or a free agent, but no significant additions are expected due to cap space.
What do you think of Mosley’s defensive approach? Could the Pelicans climb the standings with this roster? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more NBA analysis.
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