For the last several years, dating back to the Anthony Davis era, injuries have been the bane of the Pelicans’ existence.
DeMarcus Cousins tore his Achilles during what would have been his first full season in New Orleans alongside Davis. Zion Williamson has shown to be dominant, but the caveat is that he hasn’t been able to consistently stay on the court. And even during the time Williamson was on the court healthy last season, fellow star Brandon Ingram often wasn’t, keeping the Pelicans from achieving their full potential.
Which gets to why the news from earlier this week—that New Orleans wing Trey Murphy III injured his left meniscus during an offseason workout and may require surgery—has to be so frustrating for the organization. In many ways, it feels like a make-or-break campaign for this iteration of the club, which won 42 games last season, even as it’s still waiting to see what this deep group looks like when all its best players are available.
