With the Pelicans getting ready to start their 2024–25 campaign, key members of the team and front office stopped by center court at Smoothie King Center to talk with WWL’s Newell Normand about their goals for the season.
After putting together a 49-win season, which marked the most wins for the franchise since its second season in New Orleans in 2008-09, the team is looking to continue its growth in a conference that’s filled with heavy hitters.
Despite almost winning 50 games, the Pelicans finished 7th in the Western Conference, and after winning one of its two play-in games, the teams secured the 8th seed in the NBA Playoffs, matching up against NBA MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After a nail-biting finish to Game 1, the team fell in a 4-0 sweep to the Thunder, and now Pelicans head coach Willie Green is looking to rebound, with his team learning from their experience last season.
One topic Green touched on was the health issues that have plagued the still-young career of former number-one pick in the NBA Draft, Zion Williamson. While the coach said they want their players on the floor, they also want them to be healthy.
“We understand that there’s been some injuries and we want to get our guys on the floor. We want them to be healthy. It allows us to be at our best and maximize this opportunity. And we’re super proud of the steps that we’re taking. And Zion’s been doing amazing,” Green said.
Returning for the Pelicans this season alongside Williamson are Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Herb Jones, along with the newly acquired Dejounte Murray, who the team picked up via trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
While Green said that there is a lot that remains out of the team’s control heading into the new season, they have to make sure they take care of what they can control.
“I think the things that we can control is being prepared and making sure that our focus is on what it takes to give ourselves the best chance to win this game and going after it together. There’s some areas of improvement,” the coach said. “Clutch situations. Last year, we wasn’t at our best, starting with me. And so that’s something that I’ll be looking at this season and trying to continue to improve.”
The NBA season kicks off on Oct. 22, with the Pelicans playing their first game on Oct. 23 at home against the Chicago Bulls.
Listen live to the Pelicans this season on WWL Radio or via the Audacy app.
Check out Newell’s full conversation at center court with players and more here.