NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans have announced their roster for Wednesday night’s 2023-24 season opener in Memphis against the Grizzlies.
The Pelicans have a total of 17 players on the roster, including three two-way contracts, leaving New Orleans with one roster spot available.
2023-24 New Orleans Pelicans Roster
| No. | Player | Pos | Ht | Wt | DOB | NBA Exp. |
| 15 | Jose Alvarado | G | 6-0 | 175 | 4/12/1998 | 2 |
| 11 | Dyson Daniels | G | 6-7 | 203 | 3/17/2003 | 1 |
| 12 | Kaiser Gates* | F | 6-8 | 223 | 11/8/1996 | 0 |
| 24 | Jordan Hawkins | G | 6-5 | 192 | 4/29/2002 | R |
| 14 | Brandon Ingram | F | 6-8 | 210 | 9/2/1997 | 7 |
| 5 | Herb Jones | G/F | 6-7 | 212 | 10/6/1998 | 2 |
| 13 | Kira Lewis Jr. | G | 6-2 | 175 | 4/6/2001 | 3 |
| 32 | E.J. Liddell | F | 6-6 | 242 | 12/18/2000 | 0 |
| 8 | Naji Marshall | F | 6-7 | 225 | 1/24/1998 | 3 |
| 3 | CJ McCollum | G | 6-3 | 202 | 9/19/1991 | 10 |
| 25 | Trey Murphy III | G/F | 6-8 | 211 | 6/18/2000 | 2 |
| 22 | Larry Nance Jr. | F | 6-8 | 242 | 1/1/1993 | 8 |
| 37 | Matt Ryan* | F | 6-7 | 215 | 4/17/1997 | 2 |
| 0 | Dereon Seabron* | G | 6-6 | 190 | 5/26/2000 | 1 |
| 17 | Jonas Valančiūnas | C | 7-0 | 270 | 5/6/1992 | 11 |
| 1 | Zion Williamson | F | 6-6 | 285 | 7/6/2000 | 3 |
| 40 | Cody Zeller | C | 6-11 | 247 | 10/5/1992 | 10 |
*Two-Way Player
Head Coach: Willie Green (Third Season, 78-86)
Associate Head Coach: James Borrego
Assistant Head Coaches: Jarron Collins, Ryan Frazier, Casey Hill, Aaron Miles, Fred Vinson
Continuity Is Key
The Pelicans return 13 players from last season’s roster, and will have their starting five in place for the second consecutive season for the first time since the days of Chris Paul, David West, and Tyson Chandler.
New Orleans starting lineup of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas appeared in only 10 games together during the 2022-23 season. Those 10 games were tantalizing, with the quintet posting an offensive rating of 118.1, a 111.9 defensive rating, with an overall net rating of 6.3 in 113 total minutes.
The Pelicans will be hoping for at least six times as many starts out of them this season.
The Bench Will Be Tested Early
The bench will be without its leading scorer, as Trey Murphy III continues his recovery from a torn meniscus in his left knee. Murphy hopes to retun in mid-to-late November. Last season Murphy was one of the most improved players in the NBA, nearly tripling his scoring average from his rookie season (5.4 to 14.5 ppg), and was one of the league’s deadliest outside shooters (40.6 3P%).
Forward Naji Marshall is also out for the start of the season with bone bruise on his right knee that he suffered during the preseason. Marshall is expected to be reevaluated at the end of the month.
The statuses of key reserves Jose Alvardo, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller, have yet to be determined. All three were unable to play in the preseason.
Opportunities for the Next Man Up
With some players sidelined and others possibly needing time to round into form, there are opportunities for others on the bench to make an impact.
The Pelicans drafted Jordan Hawkins and recently signed Matt Ryan to help with outside shooting. Guards Dyson Daniels and Kira Lewis Jr. had their moments in the preseason and will have a chance to earn minutes with their defensive tenacity and offensive potential.
Coaching Additions
One of the biggest offseason moves was the addition of James Borrego as Associate Head Coach. Borrego should be a strong voice in the locker room and is charged with improving the Pelicans offense.
UPDATE
The New Orleans Pelicans announced early Tuesday afternoon that Jose Alvarado is still experiencing discomfort in his right ankle and will be unavailble for the start of the season. Alvarado will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
READ MORE
- The Impact of CJ McCollum’s Consistency on the Pelicans’ Success
- Matt Ryan: Great Story of Perseverance Now Also Pelicans’ 3-point Back-up Plan
- A Lot On Herb: Jones Remains Keystone of Pelicans Defense
- Zion, Pelicans Save Their Best For Last and Beat Magic 104-92
- Dyson Daniels Needed For More Than Defense In Year 2
- Pelicans Look To Unlock Dynamic Offensive Potential Of Dereon Seabron
- Pelicans Begin 5th Preseason of the Zion Era with Matchup Versus Magic
- Making a Difference: How Larry Nance Jr. Elevates the Pelicans’ Second Unit
- New Orleans Pelicans Better Positioned to Handle Adversity
- EJ Liddell’s Defensive Prowess: How He Could Augment the Pelicans’ Defense
- Can Jordan Hawkins Be A Real Shooting Option Off the Bench in 2023-24?
