Pelicans Shift Focus As Season Slips Away

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the season with hopes of competing behind Zion Williamson, but a 3–18 start has dramatically altered the organization’s priorities. Instead of chasing the postseason, the franchise is now centered on reshaping its direction and assessing which players fit the long-term vision. Interim coach James Borrego has been thrust into the middle of that shift, balancing player development, internal evaluation, and day-to-day competitiveness.

For Borrego and the front office, the coming weeks mark a crucial stretch leading into a trade deadline that could reshape the roster. Several players at varying stages of their careers — from established veterans to unproven prospects — are navigating uncertain futures as New Orleans prepares for difficult decisions. The stakes are particularly high for those on expiring deals or inexpensive contracts.

While the losses continue to mount, opportunities have emerged for lesser-known contributors to carve out roles. The Pelicans’ focus now extends beyond nightly results, with each game serving as a live showcase for players trying to earn trust and stability. It’s a reality of rebuilding basketball, and one that New Orleans has embraced as it pivots toward the future.

In a season defined by frustration, the Pelicans are using their struggles to gather clarity — assessing who might be part of the solution and who could be on the move in the weeks ahead.

1. Roster Under Review

As the Pelicans fall further out of contention, players across the roster are being evaluated through a long-term lens. Jose Alvarado, a fan favorite and a known quantity, enters the final year of his contract facing an uncertain outlook. His energy and defensive impact remain strengths, but his expiring deal could make him a candidate to move if the team pursues additional draft capital. Rookie big man Yves Missi represents a different kind of decision — a raw but physically gifted prospect still in the early stages of development. With time and patience, he could become a meaningful contributor, yet his lack of polish raises questions about how quickly he can help a rebuilding roster. The front office must determine whether to invest in his growth or capitalize on his value as a controllable asset. Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy, meanwhile, fall somewhere in between, caught in the tension of fighting for minutes while showcasing long-term potential. Their performances will help determine whether the Pelicans view them as future contributors or placeholders in a transitional year. Each game provides another chance to influence the team’s direction. With trade season approaching, New Orleans faces a delicate equation: balancing development, asset management, and the need to set a clear path forward. Every player evaluation now feeds into those decisions.

2. Emerging Bright Spots

Despite the difficult start, Peavy and McGowens have delivered encouraging flashes that have stood out amid the team’s struggles. Their energy, physicality, and commitment to team play have been noticeable in limited minutes, offering a reminder that even challenging seasons can uncover unexpected contributors. On inexpensive contracts, the two wings provide upside for a team that may soon prioritize internal growth over external additions. Borrego has been quick to highlight their impact, noting that their presence consistently elevates the group. Whether it’s pressure defense, timely rebounding, or simple effort plays, both have embraced roles built on hustle and reliability. In a season with few certainties, their readiness has become a valuable stabilizer. Their performances have not only caught the coaching staff’s attention but have also positioned them as potential pieces in the franchise’s next phase. With the Pelicans re-evaluating their identity and their future, young players who maximize opportunities become especially important. Peavy and McGowens are doing just that. In a competitive environment where roles are fluid, their ability to stay disciplined and make sound decisions has strengthened their cases for expanded opportunities. Their professionalism, Borrego emphasized, sets the tone for others in similar situations.

3. Staying Ready For Opportunity

Borrego’s message to players lower in the rotation has remained consistent: stay prepared, stay engaged, and stay professional. For those fighting for minutes, the season’s chaotic nature has created moments to step in and contribute. Peavy and McGowens, in particular, have demonstrated the value of that mentality by delivering whenever called upon. This “stay ready” approach is essential for any developing team, especially one shifting focus toward evaluation and future planning. Players need to treat every appearance as an audition, understanding that consistency can define their role moving forward. New Orleans’ coaching staff is looking for reliability, not just flashes. Meanwhile, the front office faces its own version of the “stay ready” mandate — determining which players should remain part of the long-term core and which may be better leveraged as trade assets. Those decisions will shape the roster well beyond the current season. As New Orleans continues a challenging stretch, the dynamic between opportunity and evaluation will define how the organization approaches the months ahead, both on the floor and in the boardroom.