Pelicans Might Want To Go Full Rebuild As Injuries All But Crush Postseason Dreams

It’s getting ugly for the Pelicans, and you know what? Maybe it’s time to embrace the rebuild.

New Orleans dropped to 5-20 after Sunday’s loss, and now they’re without Brandon Ingram for the foreseeable future due to a high-grade ankle sprain. Throw in Zion Williamson’s continued absence (he hasn’t played since Nov. 6), and it’s clear the Pelicans are already playing for next year.

Let’s be honest: In the West, it’s looking like a playoff berth will take around 44 wins, maybe even more. At this rate, New Orleans is already half-done with its loss tally for the year.

So what’s the play here? Let Zion rest up for the long haul, give him all the time he needs to heal, and embrace the possibility of grabbing a lottery pick from this loaded draft class.

That’s not to say the Pelicans will just tank and go full “trust the process.” The front office isn’t burning all its ships — after all, they’ve got a bunch of players on long-term deals and still have hopes for the future.

But here’s where things get interesting: CJ McCollum’s $33 million salary is blocking the ability to make any meaningful moves. It might be time to listen to offers on him. And what about Ingram? The trade deadline is coming, and the rumor mill is always buzzing about him. Could the Pels cash in on that value?

The goal here should be building for next season, not forcing a playoff push that just isn’t happening. A high pick in a stacked draft could be exactly what New Orleans needs to make the future bright.

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