Thursday: Pelicans Inside the NBA

Chrissy Smith • August 27, 2026

Pelicans Inside the NBA: What Makes This Team Different?

NEW ORLEANS -- There are plenty of ways to talk about the New Orleans Pelicans.

We can discuss statistics, standings, trades and individual performances. But sometimes the most interesting questions are the ones happening inside the team. That's the idea behind Pelicans Inside the NBA: taking a closer look at the people, decisions and dynamics that don't always show up in the box score.

And with Jamahl Mosley beginning his first season in New Orleans, there is plenty to watch.

Mosley arrives after five seasons with Orlando, where he helped turn a young Magic team into a playoff team. Now, he'll have the opportunity to shape the Pelicans' identity and establish his own culture.

What Is Mosley's Team Going to Look Like?

That's one of the biggest stories of the season.

Will the Pelicans become a defense-first team? How much freedom will Zion Williamson have offensively? What will the rotation look like? And which young players will earn Mosley's trust?

Those questions can't always be answered by looking at statistics.

Sometimes, you have to watch how players communicate with one another, how quickly they respond to coaching and which players are on the floor when the game gets difficult.

Who Becomes the Voice?

Every good team develops leaders.

Zion is naturally going to be one of those voices, but leadership doesn't always come from the team's best scorer. Herb Jones' defensive intensity, Dejounte Murray's experience and the growth of younger players such as Jeremiah Fears could all influence the personality of this team.

The Pelicans have talent, but now they have to develop an identity.

Understand the Pelicans. Don't just watch them.


A quick share helps us a lot!

Photo courtesy of Nicholls Athletics.
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