Pelicans Shift to Bigger Lineup to Bolster Defense Around Zion Williamson

New Orleans aims to control the glass and establish a more intimidating presence in the paint with a more physical lineup.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The New Orleans Pelicans are undergoing a fundamental shift in their lineup and defensive approach, moving to a bigger, more physical starting unit to better complement star forward Zion Williamson. Head coach James Borrego is prioritizing improved rebounding, interior defense, and overall physicality as the team looks to build a sustainable defensive identity around their high-powered offense led by Williamson.

Why it matters

Zion Williamson's offensive talents are undeniable, but the Pelicans have struggled to build an effective defensive system around him. This shift to a larger, more physical lineup aims to reduce the burden on Williamson to be the team's primary rim protector and help defender, allowing him to focus more on his offensive game while the supporting cast provides a stronger defensive foundation.

The details

The Pelicans' new starting lineup features Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, and Derik Queen alongside Williamson. This bigger, more physical group is expected to improve the team's rebounding, interior defense, and overall disruptiveness. Head coach James Borrego has emphasized the importance of physicality, aggression, and a willingness to accept more fouls in order to establish a stronger defensive identity for the team.

  • The Pelicans have been gradually implementing this lineup change over the course of the season.
  • The team has seen improvements in their rebounding numbers, going from 43.9 per game (17th in the league) earlier in the season to 45.9 (10th) since the lineup change.

The players

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star forward and offensive centerpiece, whose offensive talents have been the team's focus, but whose defensive responsibilities have been a challenge to manage.

James Borrego

The Pelicans' head coach, who has made a deliberate shift in the team's defensive approach and lineup to better support Williamson and establish a stronger defensive identity.

Herb Jones

A key member of the Pelicans' new, larger starting lineup, known for his defensive intensity and physicality.

Trey Murphy III

Another addition to the Pelicans' new starting lineup, providing additional size and defensive presence alongside Williamson.

Saddiq Bey

The Pelicans' starting small forward in the new lineup, bringing more size and physicality to the team's defensive efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I think part of it is we've added a little more size to the lineup. We've slowly but surely been making progress in this area, but you know, I think the board, we've been putting attention on the board.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

“Physicality number one in the half court. Just being more handsy, physical, and aggressive at the expense of fouls, too. We're trying to turn this thing through our physicality.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

“The teams that have made progress from even two years ago, one year ago, have done it through the defensive lens. We as an organization have to find a defensive identity to move this thing forward. And that's the goal here. Our guys understand it, we value it, and moving forward, we've got to see and demand that defense is the priority.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to continue implementing this new defensive-minded lineup and approach as they push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' shift to a bigger, more physical lineup around Zion Williamson represents a deliberate effort to build a sustainable defensive identity for the team. By prioritizing rebounding, interior defense, and overall physicality, the Pelicans aim to take pressure off Williamson on that end of the floor and establish a more well-rounded, competitive team.