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Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram face increased expectations with Dejounte Murray out.
If there was one bad thing about Wednesday’s season-opening win over the Bulls, it was the unfortunate hand injury Dejounte Murray suffered in his Pelicans debut. Luckily for the Pels, there’s reason to believe they can stay afloat while Murray is sidelined. And it starts with the tandem of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
Ingram got off to a hot start of his own against Chicago on Wednesday with 33 points on 56% shooting to go with seven boards and two steals. Ingram is looking to get it done this season after missing significant time in each of the last three seasons. His career highlight so far in points per game came in the 2023 season, when he progressed at a PPG clip of 24.7. A key to Ingram unlocking another level could be his efficiency outside of the arc.
Ingram has a career 3-point percentage of 36.3 and just two seasons ago, in his aforementioned high-scoring season, he shot 39% from distance. One game is obviously a small example, but Ingram shot three of five attempts from beyond the arc in the season opener, showing efficiency and an increased willingness to shoot from distance. Ingram averaged over 6.0 3-point attempts per game in 2020 and 2021, but it hasn’t been as big a part of his game in recent years (3.8 3PA/G). If Murray is out, Ingram’s perimeter shooting could become a bigger focus.
Zion Williamson, who missed the opener due to illness but will make his debut tonight against the Trail Blazers, will be just as important to the Pelicans’ pitching in Murray’s absence. Williamson finished last season with the Heat, averaging 25.8 points per game along with 6.1 rebounds and nearly 2.0 steals in his final 10 games.
Williamson has shown his superstar potential in his first four seasons, but significant absences have been a frustrating part of the story so far. Last season, where he played 70 games and averaged 31 minutes per game, you could get a glimpse of what a full Williamson season looks like.
Williamson had a 29.5% usage rate last season, and that number could increase as the Pelicans adjust during Murray’s absence.
CJ McCollum, who returns to Portland tonight, is another key piece for the Pelicans now and in the future. The 33-year-old could see increased playing time at point guard in Murray’s absence, having planned to primarily handle shooting guard duties. He dropped 23 points in the opener, made five three-pointers in the win, and his ability to moderate over the next month will be crucial.
Among the other players considering increasing their role during Murray’s absence, Jose Alvarado should be given a chance at more playing time. Alvarado averaged a career-high 21.5 minutes per game early in his career and could expect something similar in the next few weeks.
Be sure to catch the Pelicans and Trail Blazers tonight with NBA League Pass (10 ET).
