David Grubb

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Pelicans Scoop writer and 'Hard in the Paint' Podcast host.

Oct 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Oct 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (3) dribbles against Indiana Pacers during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Pelicans' opening loss looked familiar.

Mar. 25, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard (3) Chris Paul against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Hornets defeated the Suns 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 16, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against Washington Wizards during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Projecting all 240 Pelicans minutes against the Pacers, with defense on Tyrese Haliburton, frontcourt matchups and functional depth shaping the rotation.

Oct 14, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) grabs the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Derik Queen rebounded well but struggled offensively this preseason, raising questions about his Pelicans role as Jeremiah Fears continued to progress.

Sep 28, 2026; New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (41), forward Trey Murphy III (25), guard/forward Herb Jones (2), and forward Zion Williamson (1) pose during media day in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson could become trade candidates as the Pelicans weigh a rebuild around Jeremiah Fears and a younger core.

Oct 14, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Jeremiah Fears and Jamahl Mosley offer the Pelicans a new direction, with lessons from Chris Paul, Byron Scott and Joe Dumars’ championship past.

Oct 14, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Rotation clues, Jeremiah Fears’ growth, defensive consistency and frontcourt fit lead the Pelicans’ priorities in their preseason finale against Washington.

Oct 8, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) and center Yves Missi (21) defend against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Pelicans received useful contributions from their supporting cast against Miami, but disappointing nights from Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III and familiar team problems led to a C− overall grade.

Oct 8, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (2) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jeremiah Fears shows breakout potential, but the Pelicans’ loss to the Heat leaves questions about their starting lineup and progress under Jamahl Mosley.

Oct 6, 2026; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) defends during the first half at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Pelicans’ new regime looked too familiar against OKC. Thursday's Miami game offers a second chance to show progress in spacing, offense and defense.

Derik Queen is one Pelican to watch on Tuesday.

Starters, bench combinations, effort, Zion’s jumper and Derik Queen’s readiness headline the Pelicans’ preseason opener storylines against the Thunder.

Mar 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (3) shoots against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Jordan Poole enters preseason with an uncertain Pelicans role and an expiring contract. Earning Jamahl Mosley’s trust could shape his next opportunity.

Nov 8, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) battle for position in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Derik Queen has major upside, but his fit with Zion, efficiency and defense give him the widest range of outcomes in the Pelicans’ rotation.

Mar 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) grabs a rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Jamahl Mosley is reinvesting in Yves Missi, whose defensive growth could help the Pelicans find a long-term answer at center.

David Grubb

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Pelicans' Zion Williamson Problem Keeps Evolving in Year 8

Jordan Poole Only Hurt His Pelicans Outlook Further in Season Opener

Pelicans' Opening Loss Exposed Some All-Too-Familiar Flaws

Pelicans' 25th Anniversary Should Also Inspire Some Changes

Predicting Every Pelicans Player's Minutes on Opening Night vs. Pacers

Derik Queen's Pelicans Preseason Was a Total Mixed Bag

3 Pelicans Who Could Be Entering Their Final Season in New Orleans

Pelicans' New Top Priority Centers Around Jeremiah Fears

4 Burning Pelicans Questions Ahead of Preseason Finale vs. Wizards

Grading Every Pelicans Player After Preseason Loss vs. Heat

3 Takeaways From Pelicans' Preseason Loss to Heat: Fears Shines, Starters Still Searching

Pelicans' New Regime Is Facing Too-Familiar Concerns Early On

Five Things to Watch for in Pelicans' Preseason Opener

Jordan Poole Has a Lot on the Line as Pelicans' Preseason Begins

Derik Queen Could Be Weakest Link of Pelicans' Main Rotation This Season

Yves Missi's Pelicans Outlook Is Already Changing to Start Camp