The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for the upcoming NBA season with significant roster changes and player developments. Zion Williamson, a two-time All-Star, has been ranked as the 16th-best first option in the league by Yahoo Sports despite his impressive performance and health improvements, as he aims to shed more weight before the season starts. The Pelicans also acquired point guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, who is expected to enhance the team's playmaking after a successful stint as a primary ball-handler in San Antonio. Meanwhile, former Kentucky star Jodie Meeks has joined the coaching staff to help improve the team's three-point shooting, which was a weakness last season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a former Pelican, has shown versatility and defensive prowess in Minnesota, highlighting the changing dynamics within the league. These changes reflect the Pelicans' ambition to build a more competitive team in the star-driven NBA landscape.