Where They Stand
The Jamahl Mosley era begins in New Orleans after a 26-56 season that cost Willie Green his job twelve games in and ended James Borrego's interim stint in May. Mosley arrives on a five-year deal from Orlando, where he built a top defense and three straight playoff berths, hired by basketball operations chief Joe Dumars to install defensive intensity and accountability. The biggest change is on the sideline, not the roster: New Orleans bet on internal growth, bringing back 14 of 15 players and adding only Benedict Mathurin, Trendon Watford, Kobe Bufkin and Hunter Dickinson while declining Kevon Looney's option and re-signing 19-year veteran DeAndre Jordan as the locker-room anchor.
Everything still runs through Zion Williamson, who reported to camp in what Dumars called "impeccable condition" at 277 pounds — down from 284 — and told the Associated Press "I'm not where I want to be" after seven seasons without a single playoff appearance. The projected starting five of Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Williamson has the talent for a play-in push if it stays intact, but the open question is fit: how the veterans mesh with sophomores Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. A January European swing — the NBA Paris Game on Jan. 14, 2027 and the NBA Manchester Game on Jan. 17 against the division-rival Spurs — gives this group a global stage to prove the run-it-back plan wasn't a mistake.
The Squad
Zion Williamson
Trey Murphy III
Herb Jones
Dejounte Murray
Yves Missi
Benedict Mathurin
Jeremiah Fears
Jordan Poole
Derik Queen
Saddiq Bey
Upcoming Games
Team News
Zion Williamson in "impeccable" shape, yearning to experience playoffs with Pelicans
Williamson reported to camp at 277 pounds — down from 284 — telling the AP "I'm not where I want to be" after seven seasons without reaching the playoffs. Basketball operations chief Joe Dumars says this is the most committed he's seen the 26-year-old, now playing for his fifth head coach.
Pelicans set with training camp roster under new head coach Jamahl Mosley
New Orleans released a 21-player camp roster headlined by Williamson, Murray, Murphy III and Herb Jones alongside newcomers Mathurin and Poole. Media day was Sept. 28; camp opened Sept. 29 at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
Mosley era begins as Pelicans unveil 2026-27 schedule and Europe trip
New Orleans opens at home Oct. 21 against Indiana, then heads to Europe in January for the NBA Paris Game (Jan. 14, 2027) and the NBA Manchester Game (Jan. 17) — both against Victor Wembanyama and the division-rival Spurs.