The New Orleans Pelicans boast one of the most talented rosters in the Western Conference, with the likes of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, and their newest addition, 2022 NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray. 

Coming off a 49-33 regular-season record, expectations were high heading into the 2024-25 season. However, NBA analyst Bill Simmons has cast doubt on the team’s playoff prospects, predicting that the Pelicans will not secure a spot in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons voiced his concerns about the Pelicans’ chances: “To me, New Orleans is out in the playoffs. I don’t have them in the playoffs… If I had to pick eight teams, I’m not sure they’re one of the eight. There’s too much going on. I don’t like it.”

Simmons’ surprising take comes despite the Pelicans making a major move in the offseason by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. 

Murray is coming off a stellar season where he averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an efficient 45.9% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court is expected to bolster the Pelicans’ backcourt alongside McCollum.

The Pelicans’ addition of Murray addresses a key area of need—defensive stability and playmaking. His versatility as a point guard and off-ball threat was instrumental in helping the Hawks reach the playoffs in 2023, despite Atlanta finishing the regular season as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 36-46 record. 

Many around the league considered Murray’s move to New Orleans as one of the most impactful acquisitions of the offseason, potentially elevating the Pelicans to serious contenders in the Western Conference.

However, Simmons’ skepticism revolves around deeper concerns. The Pelicans were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, and key injuries played a significant role in their early exit. 

Zion Williamson, who has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, missed the postseason due to injury. His availability is always a looming question for the Pelicans, as he is a game-changer when fit. Despite their loaded roster, the team has yet to reach its full potential in the highly competitive Western Conference.

For the Pelicans to succeed this season, health and consistency will be paramount. Williamson, in particular, holds the key to unlocking the team’s ceiling. When healthy, Zion is one of the most dominant players in the league, capable of putting up 27 points and 7 rebounds per game with his unique blend of power and agility. 

Alongside Ingram, who is one of the league’s premier wing scorers, and McCollum, a seasoned veteran guard, the Pelicans have the firepower to compete with any team in the conference.

Despite this, Simmons remains unconvinced. He believes the Western Conference is too deep and competitive for New Orleans to secure a top-eight finish, pointing to teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and the Thunder, who are expected to make strong playoff pushes. 

Other teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies also present tough competition for the Pelicans, who have yet to prove they can stay healthy and cohesive for an entire season.

One of the key variables Simmons may be considering is team chemistry and the adjustment period that comes with integrating a high-usage player like Murray into the Pelicans’ system. 

While Murray’s individual stats are impressive, his fit alongside McCollum, who also thrives with the ball in his hands, and Williamson, who commands significant offensive touches, will be something to watch. If head coach Willie Green can manage the rotations and maximize the potential of his star-studded lineup, the Pelicans could exceed expectations.

Despite Simmons’ doubts, the Pelicans have the talent to be a dangerous playoff team, but they will need to navigate a tough conference and avoid the injury woes that have plagued them in recent years. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the question remains whether the Pelicans can live up to their potential or if Simmons’ prediction of a playoff miss will prove accurate.