Pelicans Front Office Ranked NBA Worst Amid Injury Struggles

The New Orleans Pelicans face a challenging future marked by questionable offseason decisions and injury concerns. New GM Joe Dumars' choice to trade up in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Derik Queen, who is set to miss the start of the next season due to injury, cost the team an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, raising doubts about the franchise's direction. Star Zion Williamson's health remains a significant worry, as another injury could devastate the Pelicans' playoff hopes. Additionally, key players like Dejounte Murray are sidelined with long-term injuries, and expensive contracts for Jordan Poole have added to the team's uncertain outlook. The Pelicans' front office has been heavily criticized, including being ranked the worst in the NBA by CBS Sports' Sam Quinn, reflecting concerns over past poor talent evaluation and management decisions. Overall, the Pelicans' offseason moves and injury woes suggest a bleak outlook for the team in the upcoming season and beyond.