The New Orleans Pelicans are not ready to consider taking a “gap” year as a result of their major injury issues to start the season, sources tell ESPN. The Golden State Warriors utilized the strategy during the 19-20 season, while the Memphis Grizzlies did so last season as they leaned into their injury issues in return for a lottery pick. The Warriors ended up with the No. 2 selection in 2020 and picked James Wiseman, while the Grizzlies drafted Zach Edey at No. 9 last June.
The Pelicans currently are without Zion Williamson indefinitely due to a hamstring injury, while nearly the rest of their rotation has been out at various times due to injuries.
The Pelicans planned to make a push in the Western Conference this season as they traded for Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. The issue for the Pelicans is that they are already 11 games under .500 in a highly competitive Western Conference.