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Brandon Ingram Shams: Hornets want Brandon Ingram for No. 2 pick
Fri, Jun 16, 2023, 3:31 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
The Hornets have interest in Brandon Ingram in a deal for the second pick in the draft, per Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show.
Analysis: According to Shams, the Hornets want BI and the Pelicans want Scoot Henderson. Despite rumors of a potential Zion Williamson trade, including ESPN's Brian Windhorst reporting that Zion has "no relationship" with the front office and a "minimal relationship" with his teammates, Charania said that he hasn't heard of an official offer being made that includes Williamson. A deal centered around BI and Scoot would certainly be a blockbuster move to kick off the draft and free agency, and it would have major fantasy ramifications for both organizations. |
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Brandon Ingram Ingram, JJJ to join USA FIBA World Cup roster
Mon, Jun 5, 2023, 7:57 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. will join Team USA for the FIBA World Cup.
Analysis: BI and JJJ join Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Austin Reaves and Big Bobby Portis on the team. Woj reports that the team will finalize its 12-man roster later in June. |
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CJ McCollum C.J. McCollum undergoes successful thumb surgery
Wed, Apr 26, 2023, 3:03 PM
New Orleans Pelicans on Twitter
C.J. McCollum had a successful surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb, according to an announcement from the team on Wednesday.
Analysis: McCollum also had a torn labrum in his right shoulder, but that won't require surgery to repair. He'll be ready for the start of training camp despite both injuries. He played through the end of the season despite both ailments, which may have factored into his struggles from the floor down the stretch. If the rest of the team is healthy alongside him (big if), they'll be dangerous next year. |
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CJ McCollum C.J. McCollum has torn labrum in shoulder
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 1:49 PM
Will Guillory on Twitter
According to Will Guillory of The Athletic, C.J. McCollum played the final seven games of the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Analysis: After revealing postgame of Wednesday's loss that he'll undergo surgery on his thumb, it's being reported that McCollum was also dealing with a torn labrum in the final few weeks of the season. It once again looks like getting healthy will be a priority for the Pelicans as they head into the offseason. |
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Trey Murphy Trey Murphy sinks four triples, scores 21 points
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 12:48 AM
Trey Murphy accumulated 21 points (6-of-16 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four 3-pointers in 44 minutes during Wednesday's 123-118 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: He didn't have his best night shooting the basketball, but Murphy did reach the 20-point mark for the fourth straight game to end his second season. And it was a good year for the 2021 first-round pick, who was viewed as a late-round pick at best in standard leagues. After starting four of the Pelicans' first 13 games of the season, Murphy was largely a fixture in the starting lineup from mid-November on. He outperformed his Yahoo ADP of 138 by a significant margin, finishing the season as a top 50 player in 9-cat formats and just outside the top 75 in 8-cat. A possible issue for Murphy next season would be the return of Zion Williamson, but he's good enough to provide value even if he comes off the bench. And it can be argued that Murphy should remain a starter due to the way he played this season. Either way, he shouldn't be a late-round pick in standard leagues. |
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CJ McCollum C.J. McCollum likely to undergo thumb surgery
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 12:36 AM
Will Guillory on Twitter
C.J. McCollum revealed after Wednesday's 123-118 loss to the Thunder that he'll probably undergo surgery on his right thumb sometime next week.
Analysis: McCollum played 41 minutes in the Pelicans' 123-118 play-in loss to the Thunder, accounting for 14 points (5-of-15 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), two rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer. While nothing had been said about the thumb beforehand, McCollum shot nearly six percentage points lower from the field this season (43.7) than last (49.3). In addition to the thumb injury, he was also dealing with a shoulder issue down the stretch and will get that looked at as well. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 50.3, McCollum finished the season as a 6th-round player in 8-cat formats and an 8th-round player in 9-cat. Getting healthy will certainly help matters as far as McCollum's fantasy value is concerned, but his ceiling is a bit limited due to the lack of consistent defensive production. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Jonas Valanciunas scores 16 PTS with 18 rebounds
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 12:27 AM
Jonas Valanciunas tallied 16 points (7-of-9 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), 18 rebounds, three assists, and one 3-pointer in 30 minutes in Wednesday's 123-118 loss to Oklahoma City.
Analysis: Valanciunas was dominant on the boards Wednesday night, with six of his game-high 18 rebounds being corralled on the offensive end of the floor. He did tweak his right ankle during the fourth quarter but was able to return after a quick stint on the bench. JV recorded 43 double-doubles during the regular season, seven fewer than his total during the 2021-22 campaign, and the overall production was a bit underwhelming. Valanciunas had a Yahoo ADP of 52.7 but failed to crack the top 100 in 8- or 9-cat formats, providing 10th-round value in both. He's headed into a contract year, and the Pelicans should have Zion Williamson back in the fold, which will cut into Valanciunas' offensive touches. |
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Herbert Jones Herb Jones records 20/5/5/1/1 line vs. Thunder
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 12:16 AM
Herb Jones logged 39 minutes in Wednesday's 123-118 loss to the Thunder, accounting for 20 points (7-of-16 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), five rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and one 3-pointer.
Analysis: Known more for his defensive prowess, Jones averaged 10.4 points per game over his final 13 appearances of the regular season, shooting 54.5% from the field. He was more productive on that end of the floor on Wednesday while also taking on the unenviable task of guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Boasting a Yahoo ADP of 92.4, Jones finished the season ranked outside the top 100 in 9-cat, per-game value. The question hovering over the Pelicans heading into next season is the health of Zion Williamson, as that will impact the entire rotation. Jones' defensive abilities should keep him in the starting lineup, but he'll need to do more offensively in Year 3. |
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Brandon Ingram Brandon Ingram finishes season with 30-point game
Thu, Apr 13, 2023, 12:05 AM
Brandon Ingram shot 10-of-19 from the field and 9-of-11 from the foul line in Wednesday's 123-118 loss to Oklahoma City, accounting for 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one block, and one 3-pointer in 38 minutes.
Analysis: Injuries derailed a season that got off to a promising start, but Ingram did all that he could to keep the Thunder alive Wednesday night. He had 13 games of at least 30 points during the regular season and had another against the Thunder while also dishing out seven assists. Ingram finished the season accumulating at least seven assists in four straight and seven of his last eight games. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 51.5, BI finished the season ranked just outside the top 60 in 9-cat per-game value and just inside the top 40 in 8-cat. What may limit his ADP next season is the medical history, as Ingram's played 100 games total over the last two seasons. |
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Larry Nance Larry Nance (left ankle) out Tuesday vs. Thunder
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 7:39 PM
New Orleans Pelicans on Twitter
Larry Nance has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Thunder with a sore left ankle.
Analysis: Nance was able to play 17 minutes in Sunday's loss to Minnesota, but the ankle that sidelined him for more than two weeks earlier this season remains an issue. His absence opens the door for Jaxson Hayes to enter the rotation, but that doesn't make him a worthwhile play in DFS tournaments. |
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Jose Alvarado Jose Alvarado (leg) out at least another week
Tue, Apr 11, 2023, 12:46 PM
Pelicans PR
Pelicans announce that Jose Alvarado (stress reaction, right tibia) will miss Wednesday's game against the Thunder and is not expected to play for at least one week.
Analysis: The good news is that Jose has been cleared to resume on-court basketball activities. The bad news is that he'll be out at least another week which means New Orleans will have to escape the play-in if they want to see their energy guy suit up again this season. Jose took the NBA world by storm during last-year's play-in games and playoff series against the Suns due to his crafty antics and high energy play. Dyson Daniels and Josh Richardson should continue to get the backup guard minutes for Wednesday's game against the Thunder. |
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CJ McCollum C.J. McCollum scores 23 but struggles from deep
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 6:40 PM
C.J. McCollum finished Sunday's 113-108 loss to the Timberwolves with 23 points (9-of-24 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 39 minutes.
Analysis: After scoring 31 points on 14-of-37 shooting from the field in games against the Clippers and Kings, McCollum has scored 23 or more in three straight. However, Sunday's stat line wasn't on par with his efforts in wins over the Grizzlies and Knicks. McCollum missed all five of his 3-point attempts and shot well below 50% from the field overall. The loss locked the Pelicans into the 9-seed in the West, and they'll play Oklahoma City in a play-in elimination game on Wednesday. McCollum will need to be considerably better for the Pelicans to take care of business at home. Trey Murphy also reached the 20-point mark on Sunday, finishing with 20 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one 3-pointer in 40 minutes. |
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Brandon Ingram Brandon Ingram drops robust 42/12/7/2/1 stat line
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 6:18 PM
Brandon Ingram logged 42 minutes in Sunday's 113-108 loss to the Timberwolves, finishing with 42 points (16-of-28 FGs, 9-of-9 FTs), 12 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer.
Analysis: Ingram was outstanding on Sunday, finishing three assists shy of a triple-double and recording his second 40-point game of the season. But it wasn't enough to hold off the Timberwolves, and the Pelicans now find themselves staring at a one-game season. The 9-seed in the West, New Orleans will host 10-seed Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 62, Ingram will finish the regular season ranked just outside the top 60 in 9-cat, per-game value. That certainly isn't bad, but the issue was his availability, with Ingram only playing in 45 games. |
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Dereon Seabron Report: Pelicans sign Dereon Seabron to 2-way deal
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 11:32 AM
Michael Scotto on Twitter
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Pelicans are signing Dereon Seabron to a two-way contract.
Analysis: Per league rules, two-way contract recipients aren't eligible for the postseason, so this move is being made with the future in mind. Seabron spent this season with the Pelicans' G League affiliate in Birmingham, averaging 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. |
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CJ McCollum C.J. McCollum finishes win with 23 PTS, 4 triples
Fri, Apr 7, 2023, 10:57 PM
C.J. McCollum tallied 23 points (8-of-15 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, and four 3-pointers in Friday's 113-105 win over New York in 38 minutes.
Analysis: While Brandon Ingram (18/7/7/1) shot just 6-of-15 from the field, McCollum, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones picked up the slack for the Pelicans. McCollum and Jones shot better than 50% from the field, with the latter going 7-of-7 and finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and one 3-pointer in 34 minutes. McCollum's scored 23 points or more in three of his last five games and has been close to a top 75 player in 9-cat formats over the last two weeks. That's slightly higher than his fantasy value for the season as a whole but still well off of his Yahoo ADP of 51. New Orleans finishes its regular season on Sunday in Minnesota, and they'll need a win and some help to avoid the 9-seed in the West. |
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Trey Murphy Trey Murphy scores game-high 31 points vs. Knicks
Fri, Apr 7, 2023, 10:40 PM
Trey Murphy shot 10-of-21 from the field and 8-of-8 from the foul line in Friday's 113-105 win over New York, scoring 31 points with three rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers in 38 minutes.
Analysis: Murphy was just 3-of-10 from beyond the arc on Friday, but he did a little bit of everything to help keep the Pelicans' hopes of avoiding the play-in tournament alive. Murphy has now scored 30 points or more in consecutive games for the first time in his NBA career, and he last failed to reach double figures on March 1 vs. Portland (nine points). A top-10 player in 9-cat formats over the last two weeks, Murphy has taken full advantage of the void in the rotation left by the injured Zion Williamson. With the former first-overall pick not expected to be available during the early portion of the postseason, the starting job remains Murphy's. The question that will need answering in the offseason is how the pieces will fit, because Murphy has played too well to simply be shifted back to the bench. |
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Zion Williamson Shams: Zion Williamson unlikely to play in Play-In
Fri, Apr 7, 2023, 8:28 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Zion Williamson (hamstring strain) is unlikely to play in the Play-In Tournament next week, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
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CJ McCollum C.J. McCollum records 31/10/6/1 line vs. Grizzlies
Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 10:12 PM
C.J. McCollum logged 43 minutes in Wednesday's 138-131 win over the Grizzlies, tallying 31 points (10-of-16 FGs, 5-of-10 FTs), 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and six 3-pointers.
Analysis: McCollum entered Wednesday's game having shot 14-of-37 from the field in his prior two outings, so his performance in the overtime victory was much-needed. And this was his first 30-point game in nearly a month (March 8 vs. Dallas), with McCollum averaging 18.7 points on 42.6% shooting in the 13 games that followed. Brandon Ingram didn't hit the 30-point mark himself, but he did record a line of 24 points, six rebounds, 13 assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer in 46 minutes. The win keeps New Orleans in the 8th spot in the West, one game ahead of Minnesota in the loss column with two to play. |
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Herbert Jones Herb Jones scores career-high 35 points vs. MEM
Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 10:01 PM
NBA on ESPN on Twitter
Herb Jones shot 11-of-21 from the field and 8-of-9 from the foul line in Wednesday's 138-131 overtime win over Memphis, scoring 35 points with seven rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and five 3-pointers in 43 minutes.
Analysis: In a game the Pelicans had to have, Jones came through with the best offensive outing of his brief NBA career. Not only were the 35 points the most that he's scored in a game, but this was also the first time Jones finished with at least 30. He was one of three Pelicans to score at least 30 points on the night, with C.J. McCollum (31) and Trey Murphy (30) being the others. Murphy shot 9-of-18 from the field and 5-of-6 from the foul line, supplementing his 30 points with two rebounds, four assists, three steals, and seven 3-pointers. With Jonas Valanciunas limited to 19 minutes due to foul trouble, the Pelicans needed big performances from Jones and Murphy. And that's just what they got. Jones, Murphy, and McCollum are the second trio of teammates to account for at least 30 points and five 3-pointers in the same game in NBA history. |
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Brandon Ingram Brandon Ingram puts up 22/7/6/2/1 in loss to Kings
Tue, Apr 4, 2023, 10:30 PM
Brandon Ingram posted a full line on Tuesday with 22 points (7-for-15 FGs), seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block, one 3-pointer and seven turnovers in a 121-105 loss to Sacramento.
Analysis: This wasn't a pretty night for the Pelicans, even if BI was able to put up a complete line. After only turning it over twice over his previous two games, Ingram set a new season-high with seven turnovers. He had his lowest scoring night in games that he has finished in over month. He wasn't alone in his struggles, as C.J. McCollum only shot 6-for-19 from the field. The Pelicans have more wiggle room than other teams in the West, though they only hold a half game lead over Minnesota for 8th. They host Memphis on Wednesday and will look to make up some ground on the second night of a back-to-back. |
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