## 16. [New Orleans Pelicans](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/pelicans/) (15)
**Key additions (including re-signs):**
* Herb Jones ([re-signed](https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nba-free-agency-2023-tracker-live-updates-signings-deals-best-available/TxXGgpaAiKJ6/9cvxgJeslDdv/))
* Cody Zeller ([Miami](https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nba-free-agency-latest-news/RePIiWMWxFHN/bL3Gi3aQSevy/))
* [Jordan Hawkins](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jordan-hawkins-1ttKB0x0ExR5ObPx/) (14th pick)
* E.J. Liddel (re-signed)
**Key subtractions:**
* Garrett Temple (waived)
* Josh Richardson ([Miami](https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nba-free-agency-2023-tracker-live-updates-signings-deals-best-available/TxXGgpaAiKJ6/NQ4peJ0Cejrb/))
* Jaxson Hayes (Lakers)
**Pressing question:** Can you ever believe in this team without [Zion Williamson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/zion-williamson-l6xjgWmi8X4OMdjm/) as a certainty?
Another hopeful season for the Pelicans rests on the shoulders and availability of Williamson. He’s had a … tumultuous offseason, to say the least. You can do your own research to figure out part of that, but this offseason was the first time [we’ve seen some credible reporting](https://theathletic.com/4624176/2023/06/20/zion-williamson-trade-rumors-pelicans/) about the idea of the team maybe moving on from him. Williamson ended up staying, but it should hopefully motivate him further to be in better conditioning. This is a deep, talented team, but the Pels are nothing more than Play-In level without Zion around.
by kingralek
4 Comments
Lol. “Credible reporting” – a link to a one month old article that cited Shams’ bullshit tweet and Zions not being with BI, Herb and Willie at the finals game as evidence that there was any substance to all the rumors.
Jesus.
Lmao
Strap in for another 37 win season, boyos.
As long as Bi and the team are healthy I’m not worried