NEW ORLEANS -- There’s no doubt that every NBA season brings pressure. For some players, it's about earning a bigger contract. For others, it's about proving they belong in the rotation. And for a select few, it's about changing the direction of an entire franchise.

The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a disappointing 26-win season and enter 2026-27 with a new head coach in Jamahl Mosley, but a roster that looks largely the same. The organization is counting on internal growth—not a roster overhaul—to climb back into playoff contention.

That means several players will be under the microscope from opening night.

Here are the three Pelicans with the most to prove this season:

1. Zion Williamson

This one is obvious because no player on the roster faces more scrutiny than Zion Williamson—not because anyone questions his talent, but because everyone knows what he's capable of when he's healthy and fully engaged.

We've seen stretches where Zion looks like one of the most unstoppable players in basketball. He's a nightmare in transition, impossible to keep out of the paint, and one of the league's most efficient scorers around the rim.

The question has never been talent.

If Zion adds in a mid-range jumper and at least one to two three-point attempts every game, as well as embraces Mosley's defensive culture, the Pelicans' outlook changes dramatically.

2. Jeremiah Fears

Rookies usually aren't expected to carry much pressure, but Jeremiah Fears is different. The Pelicans drafted him because they believe he can become a cornerstone of the franchise, so now comes the difficult part.

He needs to adjust better to NBA speed, learn to really guard veteran players, and make smart decisions when game slows down in the fourth quarter. No one expects him to have it figured out day one, so there will be growing pains, but that's perfectly normal.

I don’t’ think success this season will be measured solely by points or assists for him, but it will be measured by growth.

If Fears finishes the year looking even more like the point guard of the future, the season will be considered a success regardless of his stat line.

3. Jamahl Mosley

Yes, I believe coaches belong on this list too.

Mosley arrives in New Orleans with a reputation for building culture, developing young players, and constructing elite defensive teams. But can he unlock a roster that has consistently shown flashes of playoff potential but struggled to put everything together?

I’m OK with the fact that the Pelicans didn't make sweeping offseason changes because what they did change is leadership. That means much of this season's success—or failure—will be tied to whether Mosley can establish a defensive identity, create accountability, and maximize the talent already on the roster.

His fingerprints should be visible from the opening week.

The Bottom Line

The Pelicans don't necessarily need every player to have a career year, but they need their most important people to answer the biggest questions.

If those players can do that, then the conversation around the Pelicans could look very different by next spring. So that's why this season feels less about talent—and more about proving it.