There comes a time when a team has to officially wave the white flag, recognizing that the team they have built isn't cutting it.
Rarely does it ever come to these terms, however.
One specific team has failed to make the playoffs this year, after losing in the first round of the playoffs last year. That team is the New Orleans Pelicans.
After finishing 14th in the Western Conference and fourth-worst record in the NBA at 21-61, the Pelicans have thrown in the towel. According to Yahoo Sports, Kevin O’Connor, nobody on the team is considered untouchable.
Just a couple of years ago, they were set up for success, landing the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, meaning they would be the team with the opportunity to draft generational talent, Zion Williamson.
This did not pan out as they expected, and Zion has played in less than 50% of the total games since entering the league in 2019.
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He has played a total of 214 games and missed a total of 268 games through his six-year career. This could be a true testament to the so-called “New Orleans Pelicans Curse” that players have spoken about.
Former Pelican Dyson Daniels noted this recently, now that he is a part of the Atlanta Hawks.
“That organization is cursed, every year there is something new. I am happy I am not there anymore,” Daniels said back in December of 2024.
Daniels had a breakout season and even won the 2024-2025 Most Improved Player Award, as well as being named to the All-Defensive First Team.
Several other injuries broke out during the Pelicans' season, and almost their whole starting lineup missed a significant period of time. Notably, Dejounte Murray, who tore his Achilles during the regular season.
After going through yet another tragic season in what was supposed to be a competitive one, the recently appointed Head of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars, has made it clear that nobody is safe.
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