Pelicans struggle finding balance around Zion Williamson

Jun 14, 2025 3:02 PM

The New Orleans Pelicans have faced challenges in assembling the ideal supporting cast around their star, Zion Williamson, William Guillory writes for The Athletic.

One ongoing issue has been finding a reliable and effective player to fill the center position.

This concern has led Guillory to explore the possibility that the Pelicans might consider selecting Khaman Maluach with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

This upcoming offseason is particularly significant because it marks the first year with Joe Dumars serving as the franchise’s primary decision-maker.

How Dumars approaches roster construction will provide crucial insight into the direction the organization intends to take in the coming years.

Guillory highlights that last season, the team found some degree of success by employing “double-big” lineups featuring Kelly Olynyk alongside rookie big man Yves Missi, which added versatility and toughness in the frontcourt.

However, it remains uncertain whether the Pelicans could realistically use both Missi and Maluach together on the floor.

For that to happen, Maluach, a Duke center, would need to develop into a more advanced shooter than many currently project, as his ability to space the floor is key to making such a lineup viable.