New Orleans Pelicans Lack of Accountability Threatens Their Future-Unfixable Without Drastic Change?
New Orleans Pelicans face a critical crossroads as accountability—not injuries, depth, or coaching—emerges as their biggest obstacle. Can Zion Williamson step up, or does his questionable commitment signal the need for a franchise reset? The lack of defensive effort, vague roster standards, and mixed messaging around team identity raise doubts about the organization’s culture and direction.
Jake Madison breaks down the latest front office moves under Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, questions inconsistent strategy such as the Jordan Poole trade, and explores how rookie sensations Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen fit into long-term plans. Key topics include evolving roster expectations, the urgency of instilling accountability at every level, and tactical shifts that could prevent the season from becoming a complete disaster. Do the Pelicans have a blueprint for the future, or are they headed for another year of frustration?
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11 Comments
G, you always trying to break up this team, you’re not from New Orleans you don’t care about this team what are you campaigning for not to make this team better?
Honestly we need to move on with the young guys and Trey.
Who would want to play for this team right now they lack everything. The person to blame is Gayle Benson, she hasn’t made any good decisions since Tom Benson died. I wasn’t fan of Dumars or Weaver being hired in the first place not a good organization decision at all once again shows Gayle has to many yes people around her that won’t tell her the truth
" Play through injury" That makes zero sense take a risk of further injuring or permanent injury to prove something, for what to add one more win?
This team has and always will be plagued by Injuries it's time to stop blaming Zion and the players for injuries when you year after year keep having multiple players out for injuries and almost your entire starting 5 out, you have to start diving deeper something is wrong, Medical staff, rehabilitation,player utilization. There's a reason why players like Dyson Daniels said that he's glad he left the team that we are cursed w/injuries..
It's like a team of misfit toys for Christmas, with Zion as their troublemaker. Expecting Zion to be accountable is like telling a child not to stick a fork into an outlet—he'll do what he wants. In a world where some act more like children than adults, it's no surprise that accountability has declined. Dumars faced a tough situation with a dysfunctional organization that runs sports teams more like charities than professional clubs. In the post-Tom Benson era, the Saints and Pelicans seem like farm teams for the NFL and NBA, respectively, and Gayle has had to accept decline to push for change. She had to take unconventional steps to fire Dennis Allen because her long-time allies, Dennis Lausha and Mickey Loomis, wouldn't do it; in fact, it was Dumars who had the courage to fire Willie Green, highlighting how difficult change is on the Pels side.
Gayle Benson must realize she can't manage both franchises as charities. Both need young, dynamic owners with modern, innovative ideas, because what worked 20 years ago isn't effective now. Since trading CP3, the Pelicans have repeatedly tried to follow other teams' road to success—modeling after the Spurs, Warriors, and early OKC with Durant and Westbrook—but have failed each time. It’s surprising they haven't tried the 76ers' "trust the process" approach, but under Dumars, it's time to forge their own path. Fears and Queen are steps forward, but trading a player to gain a draft pick is just the beginning of retooling a roster that isn't yet a Western Conference threat. Next season, under new head coaching, unless Borrego unexpectedly turns things around, the team will need a roster aligned with the coach's vision and culture.
Pels are unserious see you next season
Congratulations on the marriage!
Evrday
Queen says he’s better than everyone in the 2026 draft. He wouldn’t have even been in the lottery next year if he reclassified.
The fact that the pels best players are the rookies in a win now season, without their own pick is a nightmare scenario.
Dumars is not going to fix this team. Talks a lot, but his actions do not match what he says.
Zion is here to stay !!! I'm not with trading the best talent we ever had here in Nola for any reason ! It's not like star players are easy to come by , especially in Nola .
Yes Zion has had a few hamstring set backs but he has shown that he wants to be great and he put the work in the summer . Bad luck happens from time to time . I want to retire Zion Williamson jersey here in Nola .