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Nov 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) and center Derik Queen (22) against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen face important second seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. Comparing their development to Chris Paul and Anthony Davis reveals the growth each young cornerstone must show without creating unrealistic expectations.

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Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) dribbles against Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (center right) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Pelicans face major questions entering 2026-27, but several factors, including a new system under Jamahl Mosley, provide reasons for optimism.

Jan 31, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Derik Queen has the talent to become a Pelicans cornerstone, but defense, off-ball growth and a defined role must come before bigger numbers.

Apr 7, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) and guard Micah Peavy (14) walk off the court after the win against the Utah Jazz at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Pelicans choice to add Peavy in their most recent trade could end up backfiring on them.

Jeremiah Fears is one of several Pelicans players to fit into the rotation.

The Pelicans have more players demanding minutes than Jamahl Mosley can realistically use. With crowded guard and wing rotations but limited proven size, shooting, defense and ball security will determine who stays on the court.

Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Zion Williamson leads the New Orleans Pelicans players with the most to prove in 2026-27. Here’s what’s at stake for Williamson, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray and Yves Missi as they enter a pivotal season under new head coach Jamahl Mosley.

Apr 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) moves the ball up court against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Bennedict Mathurin gives the New Orleans Pelicans another athletic scorer, but his shooting, defense and role create questions. Here are the benefits and challenges of adding the former lottery pick to Jamahl Mosley’s crowded rotation.

Feb 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) go for a loose ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward Jabari Walker (33) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Joe Dumars has aggressively reshaped the Pelicans, but deals involving Derik Queen, Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins have cost valuable assets and flexibility.

Sports Illustrated's Terry Kimble reacts to the Pelicans trading Jordan Hawkins to the Grizzlies.

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The Pelicans made some noise by trading Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy to the Grizzlies on Tuesday, resulting in this trade grade from SI's Terry Kimble.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) reacts during the first half against the LA Clippers next to guard Saddiq Bey (41) at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans already excel at scoring in the paint, but poor defense, rebounding and 3-point math erase that advantage. Jamahl Mosley must build an offensive identity around stops, ball movement, smart spacing and quicker decisions.

Jan 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) walks up court during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

After his struggles last season, it appears as if the New Orleans Pelicans would be better off trading guard Jordan Hawkins before the start of the 2026-27 season.

Feb 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens (11) celebrates making a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

McGowens may finally have found his home in the NBA, and the Pelicans are excited about it.

Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) on the court before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

With training camp right around the corner, is there a player who can breakthrough a get a roster spot?

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi should be positioned to take a huge step forward in the 2026-27 season. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

There are a few reasons that Pelicans fans should expect Yves Missi to make a leap under new head coach Jamahl Mosley.

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The Pelicans newest head coach 's battle may be more than just what's on his current roster.

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley looks on in the second half against the Detroit Pistons during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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The organization believes the answer to development is the new coaching staff.

Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) reacts after a foul call during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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Mathurin's arrival in New Orleans will no doubt change lineups on a nightly basis.

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With the regular season less than two months away, the Pelicans must solve this issue immediately.

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Pelicans' Mathurin addition puts them over the roster limit, meaning someone is on the way out.

Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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The Pelicans' newest addition could use his best skill to help New Orleans win games immediately.

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New Orleans finally made a significant addition. Was it a good move?

Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (center) talks with guard Dejounte Murray (left) and forward Zion Williamson (right) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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With the roster likely set in stone, one key lineup may find some success for the Pelicans.

Jan 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) celebrates with Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Despite the mounting pressure for sweeping changes, the Pelicans at least did right by turning down offers for one of their coveted starters.

Jan 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) celebrates with Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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New Orleans failed to address a fatal flaw in their roster construction this summer.

Apr 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers of a play-in round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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The newly hired Pelicans head coach has some important work to accomplish during training camp.

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What Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen Can Learn From Chris Paul and Anthony Davis in Year 2

What Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen Can Learn From Chris Paul and Anthony Davis in Year 2

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Five Reasons for Optimism About the Pelicans in 2026-27

The Ideal Next Step for Derik Queen With Pelicans Is Clear

Pelicans Trading Away Micah Peavy Is More Than Just a Small Loss

Pelicans' Rotation Crunch Will Test Jamahl Mosley's Creativity

Zion Williamson and 3 Other Pelicans With the Most at Stake This Season

What Could Go Right and Wrong for Pelicans With Bennedict Mathurin This Season

Jordan Hawkins Trade is Latest Example of How Costly Pelicans' Aggressive Approach Has Been

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Pelicans Trade Grade: Hawkins, Peavy Sent Packing to Grizzlies in 4-Player Deal

Pelicans' Offensive Identity Must Connect Paint Pressure, Defense, and the 3-Point Line

Pelicans' Best Jordan Hawkins Trade Partner Is Clear Ahead of Camp

Why There's Quiet Reason for Pelicans to Be Excited for Bryce McGowens

Which Pelicans Tryout Player Has the Best Chance of Making Team?

Yves Missi Is Pelican Who Could Make Biggest Leap in 2026-227

3 Biggest Challenges Facing Jamahl Mosley in 1st Year With Pelicans

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The One Bet the Pelicans Are Making on Player Development

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How the Bennedict Mathurin Addition Changes the Pelicans' Rotation

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Biggest Pelicans' Priority Before Camp (And How to Address It)

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Pelicans' Bennedict Mathurin Signing Puts Young Guard on the Chopping Block

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What Bennedict Mathurin Brings to the Pelicans

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Grading the Pelicans' Bennedict Mathurin Signing

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One Pelicans Lineup to Look Forward to Next Season

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Pelicans Will Eventually Look Smart For Not Making This Offseason Move

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Pelicans' Biggest Offseason Mistake Will Be Obvious When the Season Starts

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The Most Important Task for Jamahl Mosley in Training Camp