Whereas the Victor Wembanyama information has put a damper on what followers had been hoping was going to be a powerful finish to this season, it pales compared to what the New Orleans Pelicans have handled, each this season and in seasons previous. At 13-43 they sit useless final within the Western Convention standings, slogging their means by a season that has seen them take care of a endless string of great accidents to key gamers, with no clear hope in sight for the longer term. Former Spur Dejounte Murray, traded there within the offseason, tore his Achilles in late January. The Zion Williamson Experiment, now in its sixth yr, seems to be to be going nowhere as nicely. Williamson, hyped as a transcendent athlete coming into the NBA, as soon as once more missed an prolonged interval this season on account of damage, and though he’s crammed up the stat sheet since returning, there isn’t a complete lot round him to subject a aggressive crew. With Williamson’s infamous damage historical past and the state of the Pelicans typically, sunnier days appear very far off for his or her fan base.
The Wembanyama information has been a dreadful gasp on a season that has had greater than its share of ups and downs, however there may be not less than a way that that is an remoted incident and he’ll make a full restoration. Within the meantime for followers although, the sensation of what was a comparatively hopeful marketing campaign (even despite a horrible begin to 2025) has shifted to indifference, with ideas of ping pong balls and potential draft picks as an alternative of a possible playoff spot. With 28 video games remaining, San Antonio has loads of time to judge the remainder of the roster and take inventory as they begin making ready for Wemby’s third season, albeit considerably sooner than they initially hoped.
San Antonio Spurs (24-30) at New Orleans Pelicans (13-43)
February 23 2025 | 6:00 PM CT
Watch: FDSS | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Victor Wembanyama, OUT,
Pelicans Accidents: Brandon Boston, ankle (day after day), Dejounte Murray, Achilles tear (OUT), Herb Jones, shoulder (OUT)
What to look at for
Zion Williamson is averaging 24 factors, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 19 video games this season whereas capturing 55% from the sphere. Williamson missed most of November and all of December with a left hamstring pressure. He has struggled to remain wholesome all through his profession, however there’s little question that when he does play his distinctive mixture of measurement and athleticism makes him a handful for any crew to protect. He’s simply 24 years previous and New Orleans has him underneath contract till the 2027-2028 season, however the match between participant and franchise has by no means appeared proper since Williamson was drafted.
Stephon Fortress performed simply 13 minutes within the loss to the Detroit Pistons, a head scratching quantity to say the least. Fortress, coming off a really succesful All Star weekend and arguably the frontrunner for Rookie of the Yr, wants all of the reps he can get. That is much more true now that Wembanyama is completed for the season and there’s little hope of the crew making the playoffs. It makes little or no sense for Chris Paul to be seeing extra courtroom time than the rookie, as was the case in opposition to Detroit.
Devin Vassell has had moments this season, however he hasn’t actually taken the leap that many thought he might make. He did miss time within the offseason recovering from foot surgical procedure and maybe that has one thing to do with the sort of season he’s had, however San Antonio would like for him to get again to the extent he performed eventually season when he averaged almost 20 factors an evening on nice capturing numbers. These final 28 video games ought to go a good distance in serving to him study to play alongside De’Aaron Fox, hopefully setting the stage for a bounceback yr subsequent season.
For the Pelicans fan’s perspective, please go to The Chicken Writes.
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