The Pelicans open their season at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday when they face the Brooklyn Nets in the Barclays Center — and for the first time in a long time, New Orleans' NBA team appears to have a clear-cut starting five.
Here's a look at each player, as well as the Pelicans' deep bench:
THE STARTING FIVE
CJ McCollum
Guard • 6-3 • 190 • 10th season
Going into his 10th season, McCollum is a leader for the Pelicans on and off the floor. He will start at point guard, a position he played part-time in Portland. McCollum must balance scoring and setting up teammates.
Herb Jones
Forward • 6-7 • 206 • 2nd season
As a rookie, Jones racked up 130 steals, third-most in the NBA. He led the Pelicans in total minutes and was arguably their most consistent player on a nightly basis. The rangy Alabama wing is a one-year veteran who plays like he’s been around forever.
Brandon Ingram
Forward • 6-8 • 190 • 7th season
Ingram showed the NBA how talented he is in play-in tournament wins over the Spurs and Clippers, and in the Pelicans’ first-round series against the Suns. Ingram is an expert difficult-shot-maker and an underrated passer. His only problem last season was staying healthy. He missed 27 games.
Zion Williamson
Forward • 6-6 • 204 • 3rd season
He’s back! After missing all of his third season with a foot injury, Williamson is healthy. Williamson’s wrecking-ball style of play was on display in the preseason. No one is a better interior scorer than Williamson when he’s healthy — not even two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jonas Valanciunas
Center • 6-11 • 265 • 11th season
Valanciunas averaged nearly 18 points per game in his first season with the Pelicans. He picked up the offensive slack while Williamson was sidelined. The Lithuanian center is a skilled-low player who can hit the occasional 3. He’s also an excellent rebounder.
THE RESERVES
Devonte’ Graham
Guard • 6-1 • 195 • 5th season
Graham will come off the bench this season after spending most of last season in the starting lineup. His first season as a Pelican was underwhelming. He shot 34.1% from 3, which was his lowest mark since his rookie season.
Larry Nance Jr.
Forward • 6-7 • 245 • 8th season
Fresh off a two-year extension, Nance will be an important piece off the bench. Why? His defensive versatility. The Pelicans can put him at center and be more aggressive defensively than they would with Valanciunas. Nance played big minutes in the first-round series against the Suns. It was a sign of things to come.
Jaxson Hayes
Forward • 6-11 • 220 • 3rd season
In February, the Pelicans began starting Hayes at power forward. Hayes looked more comfortable at that position than center, where he spent the majority of his minutes in his first three seasons. Hayes is talented. But with Williamson back, will there be minutes for him?
Dyson Daniels
Guard • 6-8 • 200 • Rookie
The Pelicans were thrilled that Daniels was still on the board when they made the No. 8 selection. The team loved Daniels’ combination of size (6-foot-8), defensive instincts and unselfishness. Daniels’ defense was impressive in the preseason. His jump shot remains a work in progress.
Garrett Temple
Forward • 6-5 • 195 • 13th season
A freshman on the LSU men’s basketball team that made the Final Four in 2006, Temple is still hanging on in the NBA. The Pelicans are the 11th team he’s played for. The 36-year-old is a valuable locker room presence who has said he plans to go to law school once he’s done playing.
Kira Lewis Jr.
Guard • 6-1 • 170 • 3rd season
Lewis last played in December. He is working his way back from a torn ACL in his right knee. He recently started playing in three-on-three games. Lewis is a speedy guard who had impressive flashes but was searching for consistency prior to his injury.
Trey Murphy
Forward • 6-8 • 206 • 2nd season
The 17th pick in the 2021 draft, Murphy had some big moments as a rookie. He hit four 3s in the Pelicans’ comeback win over the Lakers at home in March. The following month, he hit four 3s in their play-in tournament win over the Clippers. Murphy has a gorgeous jump shot. He is expected to take a step forward this season.
Willy Hernangomez
Center • 6-11 • 250 • 7th season
Hernangomez had a big summer, as he led Spain on a surprise run to the EuroBasket championship. Hernangomez was named EuroBasket MVP. He’s a skilled center who can score in the pick-and-roll or when the ball is dumped down to him.
Naji Marshall
Forward • 6-7 • 220 • 3rd season
The Pelicans signed Marshall to a two-way deal in 2020. He was converted to a standard later in his rookie season. Headed into his third season in New Orleans, the 6-foot-7 Marshall provides perimeter defense and ball-handling off the bench.
Jose Alvarado
Guard • 6-0 • 179 • 2nd season
JO-SE, JO-SE, JO-SEEEEEE! No one exemplified the Pelicans punching above their weight last season than Alvarado. The team’s backup point guard is a nuisance who was even able to frustrate the likes of Chris Paul. Alvarado is a steals machine who takes care of the ball.