The New Orleans Pelicans\u2019 2025 Summer League stint in Las Vegas didn\u2019t exactly go as planned. With injuries piling up, rookies struggling to find their rhythm, and five straight losses, it was a frustrating few weeks for the team and fans alike. But if you dig a little deeper beyond the scoreboards and box scores, some bright spots and strategic moves hint the Pelicans might still be shaping a promising season ahead.<\/p>\n
The toughest blow? Derik Queen<\/a> tore a ligament in his left wrist<\/a> on July 15 against Portland. He had to get surgery and now faces about 12 weeks off, which means he\u2019ll miss most of training camp. It’s especially rough for a guy the Pelicans picked 13th overall who\u2019d already shown flashes of being a crafty playmaker and scorer. His absence leaves New Orleans shorthanded in the frontcourt, and it slows down the growth of a player they were hoping to count on early.<\/p>\n Off the court, there was some good news. The Pelicans locked up Herb Jones<\/a> with a three-year, $68 million contract extension. Jones isn\u2019t just any player; he\u2019s widely considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Tough, versatile, and a leader on defense, he\u2019s exactly the kind of guy who makes a difference when Zion Williamson<\/a> is healthy and the team is trying to push the pace.<\/p>\n This deal feels smart. Jones consistently lifts the team when he\u2019s out there, and locking him in sends a message about how important defense and leadership are to New Orleans going forward.<\/p>\n Jeremiah Fears<\/a>, the No. 7 overall pick, showed some flashes in Summer League but also made it clear there\u2019s a lot of polishing to do. His athleticism popped, especially in a standout 22-point, 6-rebound, 6-assist game against OKC. But the shooting was all over the place (just 40% overall, 18% from three), and turnovers were a big problem; he coughed it up 25 times in five games.<\/p>\n The talent is there. Like most rookies, Fears<\/a> just needs time to get used to how physical and fast the NBA is. If he can clean up the mental mistakes, the Pelicans might have a real keeper on their hands.<\/p>\n Before the injury, Queen was turning heads with how well he moved for a 6-foot-9 big man\u2014shooting with confidence, making smart passes, and showing a unique blend of size and skill. That 17-point, 10-rebound, 3-assist outing against the Spurs was a glimpse of why the Pelicans traded up to get him.<\/p>\n But turnovers and now this injury have put a pause on his momentum. The team plans to re-evaluate him right before the regular season starts, so it\u2019s still up in the air how soon we\u2019ll see him contributing.<\/p>\n Yves Missi<\/a>, now in his second year, had a tough time shooting the ball (just 29% FG) and struggled at the free-throw line. But he did show some heart on defense and helped protect the rim, which is something. Other returning players had their moments but didn\u2019t stand out in a way that demands immediate playing time.<\/p>\n This lack of consistent growth from the younger guys means the preseason and training camp will be crucial to figure out who\u2019s ready and who\u2019s not.<\/p>\n The Pelicans didn\u2019t win a single game in the Summer League, going 0-5 and extending their Vegas losing streak to 11 straight. Ouch. But honestly, wins weren\u2019t the point here. The team\u2019s bonding looked strong. Guys like Trey Murphy III<\/a>, Jose Alvarado<\/a>, Dejounte Murray<\/a>, plus new faces like Jordan Poole<\/a>, Saddiq Bey<\/a>, and Kevon Looney<\/a>, seemed to be clicking off the court.<\/p>\n That kind of chemistry could be a big deal once the regular season starts. Sometimes, it\u2019s about more than just the scoreboard.<\/p>\n All eyes remain on Zion Williamson, and for good reason. Reports say his salary for the 2025\u201326 season becomes fully guaranteed if he\u2019s still on the roster by Tuesday. And the Pelicans? They have zero plans to trade him.<\/p>\n Joe Dumars, the new EVP of basketball operations, made it clear last month: Zion\u2019s still the franchise cornerstone<\/a>. No rumors, no drama, just full trust that he\u2019s the guy to lead this team.<\/p>\n During Summer League, Zion seemed engaged and present, chatting with the younger players, soaking up the team energy. It\u2019s a good sign that he\u2019s mentally locked in, which could be the difference-maker for New Orleans.<\/p>\nLocking Down Defense: Herb Jones\u2019 Big Extension<\/h3>\n
Jeremiah Fears: Potential Mixed With Growing Pains<\/h3>\n
Derik Queen\u2019s Promise Paused<\/h3>\n
Second-Year Players Still Finding Their Feet<\/h3>\n
Chemistry Over Wins in Vegas<\/h3>\n
Zion\u2019s Role Locked Down and His Paycheck, Too<\/h3>\n
The Last Word<\/h3>\n