The Pelicans took the first step in their potentially many operations in the offseason.
The Pelicans traded guard Dejounte Murray from the Hawks in exchange for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels and two first-round picks.
This move demonstrates the determination and ambition of the Pelicans to go all out. They believe Murray is the key piece of the puzzle for the team to win the title. After a stellar season last season, the Pelicans seem to have built a strong enough core roster, but they feel like they're missing something.
Murray's arrival brought an elite-level ball-handling scorer to the Pelicans. Not only will he be able to control the tempo of the game, but he will also be able to share the pressure on star Zion Williamson.
Murray will likely take the place of Brandon Ingram, last season's second choice. Ingram could soon be put on the trade shelf due to his fit with the team.
But why are the Pelicans so confident that Murray can take the team to the next level? Is his addition really a roster upgrade? How will Murray fit into this team full of potential?
Murray's partner with Zion
There are two major problems with Ingram's partnership with Zion.
First of all, both men need to have the ball in their hands to perform at their best; Second, they didn't create enough space for each other.
Zion's strong offense under the basket was able to attract the defense, but Ingram's ability as a catch-and-shoot was not outstanding and he failed to make the most of those opportunities. Last season, Ingram averaged 2.5 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game while shooting just 36.9 percent from the field.
In contrast, Murray was even better from beyond the three-point line. Last season, he averaged 3.7 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game while shooting 39.2 percent from the field. Moreover, Murray's overall three-point shooting percentage is 36.3%, slightly higher than Ingram's 35.5%; In terms of three-point shooting percentage from the bottom corner, Murray is ahead of Ingram's 36.4% with a 43.4% shooting rate.
Although both Murray and Ingram are players who need the ball, Murray is better able to provide space for Zion to break through. With the Hawks, he's used to being the second choice after Trae Young. But with the Pelicans, Murray will play a more significant role in organizing offense. Last season, Murray averaged 6.4 assists per game, more than any other player on the Pelicans. His passing generates nearly 17 points per game and is averaging nearly 12 potential assists per game.
In the new season, Murray will play alongside Zion. Zion's success rate in catching and attacking the basket is more than any player Murray has ever partnered with before. Last season, the Pelicans gave Zion the most assists by C.J. McCollum, and 84 percent of those assists turned into basket scoring.
Although the combination of Zion and Murray remains doubtful due to their heavy reliance on the ball, they complement each other quite well in the game, and the pair should be more comfortable than Zion and Ingram.
The Pelicans bet on Murray to be Mr. Key
One of the Pelicans' biggest problems last season came in crunch time.
Last season, when the Pelicans trailed in the fourth quarter, the team had an embarrassing 0-24 record. Considering they only lost 33 games last season, weakness in the fourth quarter is an issue that the Pelicans need to address.
Pelicans quarter efficiency statistics for the 2023-24 season
- First Quarter: 10.6 net efficiency, third in the league, 2nd in the league in true shooting 60.7 percent
- Second quarter: Net efficiency of 9.3, second in the league, true shooting percentage of 60.2%, sixth in the league
- Third quarter: -0.2 net efficiency, 18th in the league, 56.8% true shooting, 24th in the league
- Fourth quarter: -1.7 net efficiency, 22nd in the league, 58.4% true shooting, 15th in the league
One of the big problems for the Pelicans is that the team lacks players who can continue to play a playmaking and scoring role late in the game. At critical moments, their offense often stalled, and many times it seemed that they had to rely on their stars to solve the problem alone.
Murray arrived to fill that void. While he's not the most efficient scorer, averaging 19 shots per game and shooting just 46 percent from the field, he dares to create chances, which the Pelicans desperately need.
Although Murray shot just 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range in the fourth quarter, he should be able to provide enough offensive firepower to help his team win late in the game.
Last season, Murray had a good performance in key moments. As his responsibilities increase, he is expected to prove that he can be an effective leader and lead the Pelicans to a higher stage.
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