The New Orleans Pelicans are in a challenging position. Although injuries derailed their 2024-2025 season, the Western Conference is a gauntlet, with multiple teams stacking their rosters to compete with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the devastating injuries, forward Trey Murphy III was a bright spot for an otherwise miserable season. In 53 games before he too had a serious shoulder injury, Murphy III averaged 21.2 points per game on 45.4 percent from the field.