4 Silver Linings in Pelicans' Disastrous Season

Even in a season from hell, there are a few positive takeaways for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a disastrous 2025-26 NBA season, with a 15-41 record at the All-Star break. However, there are still some positives to take away, including the emergence of rookie center Derik Queen as a building block, the breakout season of wing Trey Murphy, the solid play of Saddiq Bey, and the increased trade value of star Zion Williamson.

Why it matters

While the Pelicans' season has been a disappointment, these silver linings provide hope for the future and potential assets the team can use to rebuild. Derik Queen and Trey Murphy could be part of the team's long-term core, Saddiq Bey is a valuable trade chip, and Zion Williamson's increased trade value could net the Pelicans multiple draft picks to aid their rebuild.

The details

Rookie center Derik Queen has exceeded expectations, emerging as a true difference-maker on the offensive end with his ability to score in the post and as a passer. Wing Trey Murphy has taken a giant leap forward, averaging career highs across the board and proving he can be an All-Star caliber two-way player. Saddiq Bey, acquired in the offseason, is having a career year and provides the Pelicans with a valuable trade asset on a team-friendly contract. And despite the team's struggles, Zion Williamson has stayed healthy and increased his trade value, which could net the Pelicans multiple draft picks in a potential offseason deal.

  • The Pelicans traded their unprotected 2026 first-round pick in the offseason.
  • Derik Queen took over as the starting center after James Borrego became the interim head coach.
  • Trey Murphy is in his fifth NBA season.
  • Saddiq Bey missed the entire 2024-25 season after tearing his ACL in March 2024.
  • Zion Williamson has played in 30 straight games, the most in his career.

The players

Derik Queen

A rookie center out of Maryland who has exceeded expectations and emerged as a true difference-maker on the offensive end for the Pelicans.

Trey Murphy

A 25-year-old wing who has taken a giant step forward this season, proving he can be an All-Star caliber two-way player.

Saddiq Bey

A 26-year-old forward acquired by the Pelicans in the offseason, who is having a career year and provides a valuable trade asset on a team-friendly contract.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star player, who has stayed healthy this season and increased his trade value, which could net the team multiple draft picks in a potential offseason deal.

Joe Dumars

The Pelicans' executive who traded away the team's 2026 first-round pick in the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Pelicans will have more opportunities to sell off valuable veterans for long-term assets in the offseason, and Zion Williamson's increased trade value could net the team multiple draft picks in a potential deal.

The takeaway

While the Pelicans' 2025-26 season has been a disappointment, the emergence of young talent like Derik Queen and Trey Murphy, the solid play of Saddiq Bey, and Zion Williamson's increased trade value provide hope for the future and potential assets the team can use to rebuild.