New Orleans Pelicans Roster 2022-23: Full List & Analysis

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 58 views

The New Orleans Pelicans had an exciting 2022-23 season, marked by flashes of brilliance and the continued development of their young core. For fans and analysts alike, understanding the composition of the roster is crucial to appreciating the team's performance and predicting future success. Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans roster from the 2022-23 season, examining each player and their contributions. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting key players, notable performances, and the overall dynamics that shaped the team's journey.

Point Guards

The point guard position is pivotal for any NBA team, orchestrating the offense and setting the tempo. The Pelicans had a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters manning this crucial role.

CJ McCollum: Though primarily known as a shooting guard, McCollum often took on point guard duties, especially after his arrival in New Orleans. His scoring prowess and playmaking abilities made him a dangerous offensive threat. McCollum's veteran presence was invaluable, guiding the team through crucial moments and providing leadership on and off the court. He averaged impressive stats, showcasing his scoring ability with a smooth jump shot and crafty drives to the basket. Beyond the numbers, his basketball IQ and decision-making were vital in tight game situations. McCollum's role extended beyond scoring; he was a key facilitator, distributing the ball effectively and involving his teammates in the offense. His ability to create his own shot and knock down tough shots made him a go-to player in crunch time. Furthermore, his experience in playoff situations brought a calming influence to the team, helping them navigate the pressures of high-stakes games. McCollum's impact was evident in the team's improved offensive efficiency after his acquisition. He seamlessly integrated into the Pelicans' system, forming a formidable backcourt partnership with other key players.
Kira Lewis Jr.: A young, athletic point guard with blazing speed, Lewis looked to carve out a role for himself. His development was closely watched as he aimed to provide a spark off the bench with his quickness and scoring ability. Lewis Jr.'s potential was undeniable, possessing the raw talent and athleticism to become a dynamic player in the league. His speed and agility allowed him to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. However, his development was hampered by injuries, limiting his playing time and hindering his ability to gain consistent experience. When healthy, Lewis Jr. showed flashes of brilliance, demonstrating his ability to score in transition and knock down perimeter shots. He worked diligently on his ball-handling and decision-making, aiming to become a more reliable playmaker. The Pelicans' coaching staff remained committed to his development, providing him with opportunities to learn and grow. His future with the team hinged on his ability to stay healthy and continue refining his skills. The Pelicans hoped that he could eventually become a valuable contributor off the bench, providing a much-needed burst of energy and scoring.

Shooting Guards

The shooting guard position requires players who can score efficiently and provide spacing on the floor. The Pelicans had a few options here, each bringing a unique skill set to the table.

CJ McCollum: Again, McCollum's versatility allowed him to play significant minutes at the shooting guard spot, providing scoring and playmaking.
Trey Murphy III: Murphy emerged as a reliable shooter and a key part of the Pelicans' rotation. His ability to knock down three-pointers made him a valuable asset on offense. Murphy III's development was a significant boost for the Pelicans. His sharpshooting ability provided much-needed spacing for the team's offense, creating opportunities for other players to drive to the basket. He quickly became a trusted option from beyond the arc, knocking down shots at a high percentage. Beyond his shooting, Murphy III also demonstrated improvement in other areas of his game, including his defense and rebounding. His length and athleticism allowed him to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile defender. He also showed a willingness to contribute on the boards, adding another dimension to his game. His work ethic and dedication to improvement were evident in his steady progress throughout the season. The Pelicans were excited about his potential and saw him as a key piece of their future. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the court made him a valuable asset to the team.
Naji Marshall: Marshall brought energy and toughness to the team, often tasked with defending the opponent's toughest perimeter players. Marshall's role was primarily focused on defense and energy. He was known for his tenacity and willingness to do the dirty work, often guarding the opposing team's best offensive players. His physicality and hustle made him a valuable asset on the defensive end. While his offensive game was still developing, he showed flashes of potential as a slasher and playmaker. He was always ready to contribute, whether it was diving for loose balls, taking charges, or providing a spark off the bench. His teammates appreciated his effort and his willingness to sacrifice for the team. He understood his role and embraced it, becoming a valuable role player for the Pelicans. His impact often went beyond the box score, as he brought a level of intensity and toughness that was contagious. He was a player that the coaching staff could rely on to give maximum effort every time he stepped on the court.

Small Forwards

The small forward position requires a blend of scoring, defense, and versatility. The Pelicans had a mix of players who could fill this role effectively.

Brandon Ingram: Ingram was the primary option at small forward, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. He was a focal point of the Pelicans' offense. Ingram's scoring prowess and playmaking abilities made him a cornerstone of the Pelicans' offense. His smooth offensive game and ability to create his own shot made him a difficult matchup for defenders. He excelled at scoring from all three levels, whether it was driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers. Beyond scoring, he also demonstrated improved playmaking skills, facilitating the offense and involving his teammates. His length and athleticism allowed him to be a solid defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. He continued to develop his leadership skills, becoming a more vocal and influential presence on the court. The Pelicans relied heavily on Ingram to carry the offensive load, and he consistently delivered with his scoring and playmaking. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others made him a vital part of the team's success. He was a player that the Pelicans could count on to perform at a high level, game in and game out.
Herbert Jones: Jones quickly established himself as a defensive stopper, often guarding the opponent's best player. His defensive prowess and improving offensive game made him a valuable asset. Jones' impact on the Pelicans was primarily felt on the defensive end. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best offensive player. His length, athleticism, and defensive instincts made him a disruptive force. He was relentless in his pursuit of the ball and was always willing to sacrifice his body for the team. While his offensive game was still developing, he showed flashes of potential as a cutter and playmaker. His ability to knock down open shots made him a threat on the perimeter. He was a valuable role player for the Pelicans, providing a much-needed defensive presence and contributing on offense when called upon. His teammates appreciated his effort and his willingness to do whatever it took to win. He was a player that the coaching staff could rely on to give maximum effort every time he stepped on the court.

Power Forwards

The power forward position demands players who can rebound, defend, and score in the post and from the perimeter. The Pelicans had a mix of players who brought different strengths to this position.

Zion Williamson: When healthy, Williamson was a dominant force, showcasing his unique blend of power, athleticism, and scoring ability. Williamson's impact on the Pelicans was undeniable when he was healthy and on the court. His unique blend of power, athleticism, and scoring ability made him a dominant force. He was virtually unstoppable when driving to the basket, using his strength and agility to finish through contact. He also demonstrated improved shooting and playmaking skills, making him a more versatile offensive threat. However, his availability was a constant concern, as injuries limited his playing time. When healthy, he elevated the team's performance and instilled fear in opponents. His presence on the court created opportunities for his teammates, as defenses were forced to focus on containing him. The Pelicans' success was often tied to Williamson's health and availability. They hoped that he could stay healthy and reach his full potential, becoming a perennial All-Star and leading the team to championship contention.
Naji Marshall: Again, Marshall's versatility allowed him to play some minutes at the power forward position, providing energy and defense.

Centers

The center position is traditionally responsible for rebounding, defending the paint, and scoring in the post. The Pelicans had a couple of options at this position, each with their own strengths.

Jonas Valanciunas: Valanciunas provided a veteran presence and consistent rebounding. His scoring in the post and ability to stretch the floor made him a valuable asset. Valanciunas brought a veteran presence and consistent production to the Pelicans. His rebounding prowess and scoring ability in the post made him a valuable asset. He was also capable of stepping out and knocking down perimeter shots, stretching the floor for the team's offense. His size and strength made him a formidable defender in the paint, protecting the rim and deterring opponents from driving to the basket. He was a reliable and consistent performer, providing a steady presence in the frontcourt. His teammates appreciated his work ethic and his willingness to do the dirty work. He was a player that the coaching staff could rely on to give maximum effort every time he stepped on the court. His experience and leadership were also valuable assets, helping to guide the team's younger players.
Jaxson Hayes: Hayes brought athleticism and rim-running ability to the team. His development was closely watched as he aimed to improve his defensive consistency and expand his offensive game. Hayes' athleticism and rim-running ability made him an exciting prospect for the Pelicans. His speed and agility allowed him to get up and down the court quickly, finishing plays with highlight-reel dunks. However, his development was inconsistent, as he struggled to improve his defensive consistency and expand his offensive game. He needed to become a more reliable defender and develop a more consistent jump shot to reach his full potential. The Pelicans' coaching staff remained committed to his development, providing him with opportunities to learn and grow. His future with the team hinged on his ability to improve his weaknesses and capitalize on his strengths. The Pelicans hoped that he could eventually become a valuable contributor off the bench, providing a much-needed burst of energy and athleticism.

Overall Team Dynamics

The New Orleans Pelicans roster in 2022-23 showcased a blend of established stars and promising young talents. The team's success hinged on the health and availability of key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. When at full strength, the Pelicans possessed the firepower to compete with the best teams in the league. The team's depth was also a strength, with players like Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Naji Marshall providing valuable contributions. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued the team throughout the season, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The coaching staff worked diligently to manage the roster and implement a system that maximized the team's strengths. The Pelicans' future looked bright, with a young core that had the potential to grow and develop together. The team's success would depend on their ability to stay healthy, improve their consistency, and continue to build chemistry.

Final Thoughts

The 2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a team full of potential and excitement. While injuries and inconsistency hindered their progress, the team showed flashes of brilliance and demonstrated the potential to compete at a high level. The development of young players like Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones was encouraging, and the team's future looked bright with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way. As they move forward, the Pelicans will need to focus on staying healthy, improving their consistency, and continuing to build a cohesive team dynamic. With the right pieces in place, the Pelicans have the potential to become a force in the Western Conference for years to come. Understanding the nuances of the New Orleans Pelicans roster provides valuable insight into their performance and future prospects. The team's blend of talent and potential makes them a team to watch in the seasons to come. For fans and analysts, keeping a close eye on the development of this young core will be crucial to understanding the team's journey and predicting their future success.