Wednesday: The Pelicans Big Picture

Chrissy Smith • August 5, 2026

Is the Pelicans Roster Built to Win in Today's NBA?

We all know the NBA has changed, and championship teams today are built around versatility, perimeter shooting, defensive flexibility, and superstars who can take over games. I think the question facing the New Orleans Pelicans isn't whether they have talent — it's whether they have the right combination of talent with the new leadership.

On paper, the Pelicans check a lot of boxes.


They have a superstar in Zion Williamson, one of the league's premier perimeter defenders in Herb Jones, an emerging scorer in Trey Murphy III, and one of the NBA's deepest collections of athletic, switchable players. Add veteran leadership, young talent like Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi, and new head coach Jamahl Mosley, and there's plenty to be optimistic about.


But talent alone doesn't win in today's NBA as we all know. The best teams know exactly who they are. Oklahoma City thrives on pace and relentless defense. Boston spaces the floor and punishes mismatches. Denver plays through Nikola Jokić's playmaking.


So what will be the Pelicans' identity? I think it will be the local team becoming one of the top defensive teams in the league.


Mosley built his reputation on defense, accountability, and player development. If he can establish a defensive identity while creating better spacing around Zion, this roster has the pieces to compete with anyone in the Western Conference.


That will mean defending every possession, moving the basketball, and maximizing the versatility that already exists throughout the roster.

If Mosley can mold this group into a disciplined, defense-first team that plays with pace and purpose, New Orleans has enough talent to compete for a playoff spot. In today's NBA, it's not just about collecting talented players it's about building a team that knows exactly how it wants to win.


A quick share helps us a lot!

Football player in green uniform and helmet stands on a field in a stadium.

Transfer Portal Spotlight:
Reshad Sterling

By Patrick Harkness • August 5, 2026
Edge 
Reshad Sterling - Houston 
Reshad Sterling fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 250-pound high-motor EDGE/DL with four-star pedigree, explosive point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power burst, heavy hands, dip-and-rip pass-rush nuance, and two-way versatility who immediately adds depth, competition (potential starter), and physicality to a revamped defensive line/EDGE room in their scheme. 
He’s a redshirt freshman transfer from Houston (Big 12) who committed in January 2026, via the portal (entered early January). A four-star recruit (No. 11 player in Louisiana, top-50 nationally at EDGE) out of Lutcher HS (Lutcher, LA), he has four years of eligibility remaining (#51). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s defense relies on active, violent EDGE rushers who can win with first-step quickness, heavy hands, redirection in pursuit, and a mix of power and bend off the edge, whether as a hand-down DE in 4-man fronts or hybrid roles. Sterling is a natural scheme fit as a classic four-man end or bandit. 
• Pass-rush and disruptiveness: Highly active with point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power ability, heavy hands, inside counter, and dip-and-rip arc-running athleticism. Flashes sudden redirect and effort plays that combine with athleticism and technical awareness. 
• Physicality and versatility: Two-way HS experience (DL + offensive tackle) shows toughness and football IQ; ideal for sustaining blocks in the run game while creating pressures. Coach Hall has raved about his intangibles and quick integration. 
• Traits alignment: Self-described “beast” on the field with Micah Parsons-like traits (his sports hero); brings P4-caliber tools that were underutilized in limited Houston snaps. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

Tuesday: Pelicans Roster Reality

By Chrissy Smith • August 4, 2026
Who Has the Most to Prove This Season? Four Pelicans Entering Pivotal Years
Show More