Zion Williamson, rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, and Saddiq Bey headline success this season

The New Orleans Pelicans' 2025-26 season may have ended without a playoff berth, but host Jake Madison identifies three major positives that could reshape the team’s future: Zion Williamson’s unprecedented health and role adaptation, the breakout performances of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derek Queen, and the unexpected mentorship impact of DeAndre Jordan. Despite being the league’s highest-paid player, Zion played 59 games—his most since 2022—and reduced his usage rate to a career-low 26%, while maintaining elite efficiency and contributing positively in on-off metrics. This shift suggests a sustainable path forward, making a contract extension more viable than ever. Meanwhile, Fears and Queen played nearly every game, showing rare durability and growth—Fears with elite speed and defensive instincts, Queen with high basketball IQ and playmaking potential. The key challenge? Resolving the lineup conflict between Zion and Queen, which requires a clear role distinction and curated lineups. Sadiq Bey emerged as a steal at $6 million, delivering 17.4 points per game and earning a teammate-of-the-year nomination. DeAndre Jordan, despite limited minutes, became a cultural cornerstone through mentorship, earning serious consideration for an assistant coaching role. The Pelicans’ real opportunity lies not in chasing wins this year, but in leveraging these assets to build a sustainable, development-focused core.