New Orleans Pelicans Roster
- Western Southwest
- Stadium
- Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas recently mentioned that he would like to remain with the organization. He continued by saying the two of them have discussed an extension, but Valanciunas knows this offseason isn't easy for New Orleans. The Pelicans have multiple key players that need to be extended, so Valanciunas might not be at the top of the list. Regardless, it sounds like the big man is open to staying in New Orleans long term. He still has one-year left under his current contract, so the two sides don't have to come to terms on a deal this offseason. The 31-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 10. 2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 79 games with the Pelicans last season.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson appears to be staying put in the "Big Easy" for now. NBA insider Marc Stein says that there are no "credible rumbles" for a potential Williamson trade out of New Orleans this offseason. The two-time All-Star endured yet another lost season while only partaking in 29 games this year. His upside is undeniable, however, compiling 26 points, 7 boards, and 4.6 assists per contest across his shortened 2022-2023 campaign. Williamson's inability to stay healthy makes his talent a tantalizing attribute as he annually misses so much court time. The Pelicans have the superstar under contract until 2028, so it might be difficult to move the injury-prone slasher even if they desired to.
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (thumb, shoulder) underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a UCL tear in his right thumb. He also suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Fortunately, the 31-year-old won't need surgery for that and will participate in a rehab program during the offseason. McCollum is coming off another quality season, finishing the 2022-23 campaign by averaging 20.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from deep in 75 games. While he is getting older and his production is declining somewhat, he should remain a quality fantasy asset next season, especially since he should be 100% by training camp.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) was never medically cleared to play, Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin has clarified. Williamson was seen throwing down windmill dunks ahead of last week's play-in game against the Thunder, and when asked about his status, Williamson said that he can "pretty much do everything", but according to Griffin, the top pick of the 2019 draft was never cleared to play five-on-five basketball. Injuries have limited Zion to just 114 appearances during his three seasons in the league. He played only 29 games this season, last appearing on Jan. 2. When healthy, Williamson has shown massive upside, and he averaged 26.0 points per game with 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 2022-23.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Garrett Temple played a very marginal role this season and will turn 37 in May, but he is still planning to continue his NBA career and wants to stay in New Orleans. The Louisiana-born veteran averaged only 6.5 minutes across 25 games with the Pelicans this season. It was his second year with the club after Temple had represented 10 different teams in his first 11 seasons in the league. Temple averaged a career-high 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds just a few campaigns ago with Brooklyn, but he isn't somebody fantasy managers should look to draft.
