The Pelicans’ 2024/25 season was nearly derailed by health issues from the start. Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson were unavailable at the season’s start, Dejounte Murray broke his hand on opening night, and injuries continued to affect nearly every key player.
After 69 games, only rookie Yves Missi has played more than 53 games, with 64 appearances.
New Orleans’ division rivals, Memphis, showed that a team hit by injuries can recover the following season, as the Grizzlies, after winning 50+ games in consecutive seasons, struggled to 27 wins in 2023/24 but are back on track this year.
The Pelicans hope for a bounce-back season in 2025/26, following a promising 49-win 2023/24 campaign. However, their current injury woes could impact next season’s roster.
Murray, who tore his Achilles in January, is expected to miss the start of next season, possibly returning only after 2026. There are also concerns about forward Herbert Jones, who had shoulder surgery, with his return to the 2025/26 season uncertain.
Murphy also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, diagnosed with a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear, leaving his recovery timeline unclear.
The Pelicans still have faith in their core of Williamson, Murray, Murphy, and Jones, but it may be a while before the group is fully healthy and back together on the court.
Injuries are likely to haunt the Pelicans again going into next season: https://t.co/OCHeoCrCUK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 20, 2025
