The New Orleans Pelicans are already dealing with a series of injuries early in the 2024-25 season, including new absences of CJ McCollum and Herb Jones.
McCollum and Jones both missed the team’s game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 30. Pelicans coach Willie Green, addressing these latest setbacks, tried to keep a positive outlook, noting that while the players will be out for several weeks, the injuries are not season-ending. “We’re grateful it’s not something that will keep those guys out the rest of the year,” Green said before New Orleans faced the Indiana Pacers on Friday. “It’s something they can recover from, but it does put extra responsibility on the rest of the team. We need to minimize mistakes, stay resilient, and push through.”
McCollum, averaging 18.8 points across four games this season, has a right adductor strain that could sideline him for up to three weeks. Jones, dealing with a shoulder strain and a minor partial tear in his rotator cuff, may miss two weeks to a month. Both players sustained their injuries in the team’s recent loss to Golden State.
The team’s injury list also includes Dejounte Murray, New Orleans’ major offseason signing. Murray suffered a hand fracture during the season opener against Chicago and underwent surgery. With an expected recovery period of three to five weeks, Murray contributed 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in his single appearance for the Pelicans so far. Trey Murphy III, who missed the season opener due to a hamstring strain, is projected to return in about a week.
In light of these injuries, younger players will see more time on the court. Guard Jordan Hawkins, a first-round pick from UConn, and Jose Alvarado, a fourth-year pro from Georgia Tech, stepped into the starting lineup for the game against Golden State on Wednesday, where the Pelicans suffered their third straight loss. Additionally, 7-foot rookie Yves Missi, the team’s first-round pick from Baylor, made his starting debut at center on Friday.
While the team is shorthanded, they still have starters Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram available. “We’ll keep pushing together,” Green said. “Not having key players in the lineup and adjusting to those out of regular rotation is a challenge.”
Green acknowledged that the season hasn’t begun as the team had planned, especially with Murray’s absence affecting the team’s new lineup. However, he emphasized resilience in the face of adversity. “Things happen, and when they do, how we handle it prepares us for life,” he added, stressing his gratitude for the chance to lead through these challenges.
