The 2021-22 NBA season is just over three weeks old and it may already be over for the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans has the worst record in the NBA at 1-11 as they are struggling on both ends of the court.
Injuries have derailed what the team was hoping would be a solid season. Brandon Ingram played in the first six games of the season but has missed the next six because of a hip injury. He is nearing a return, which will certainly help the Pelicans depleted roster.
While it is disappointing that Ingram has played in only half of the games this season, he still has six more appearances than Zion Williamson. He is recovering from offseason foot surgery and there is still no timetable for his return.
He looks like he will miss at least the first quarter of the season, a huge blow as Williamson is the main cog in the New Orleans Pelicans attack. Even if he is cleared soon for practice, it will take time for him to work into game shape as he had substantial weight gain.
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With the team floundering and falling so short of expectations, there could be some changes on the way. Given the team’s current standing, they could consider making some deals to compile more assets and start planning for a retool in the offseason.
While that would seem like the prudent thing to do, they cannot be sure who is and isn’t part of their core yet as they haven’t gotten to play alongside Zion Williamson. He could return and the team could start racking up victories at a rapid pace.
It could very easily be too little too late by that point, but it would be a sign to the front office that what they envisioned for the team this season can work. Getting the No. 1 draft pick in the 2019 NBA Draft on the court needs to happen before a firesale ensues.
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General manager David Griffin is likely on one of the hottest seats in the NBA, but he has no control over his star player’s inability to get on the court healthy.
