Why Pelicans expect crucial improvement at this key position in 2026-27 season

For the past few seasons, the Zion Williamson-led New Orleans Pelicans’ frontcourt has been a statistical sore spot. They have been near the bottom in rebounding and block rate while being routinely exploited at the rim. Even finishing at the rim has been a problem for Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Yves Missi, and Derik Queen. However, a quiet confidence has taken hold that 2026-27 will be different. Fortunately for new defensive-minded head coach Jamahl Mosley, fans still fretting over a relatively quiet status quo offseason already have some evidence.

Yves Missi gave Cameroon 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in a 78-62 win over Nigeria in the second round of 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying. Missi made nine of 13 shots and grabbed four offensive rebounds in 27 minutes. Karlo Matkovic was even more efficient for Croatia. Matkovic needed only 17 minutes to score 17 points in a 115-80 win over Latvia, making all eight of his field-goal attempts, including a 3-pointer.

Both big men were providing exactly the sort of contributions the Pelicans will need to see more often beginning in October. There are encouraging developments closer to the Crescent City as well.

Zion Williamson’s publicly documented offseason fitness work with trainer Kris Chrisp has drawn positive reviews, especially when shooting down unfounded trade chatter. Trey Murphy III added 20 pounds of muscle and has said he aims to make the All-Star team while averaging 30 points per game. Herb Jones is healthy again after injury setbacks and is positioned to contend once more for NBA All-Defense recognition.

Coming off an ACL tear that cost him the entire 2024-25 season, Saddiq Bey posted 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 45.1% shooting. The 27-year-old emerged as a key contributor while posting career highs last season. He will be up for a potential four-year, $60 million contract if that progress continues.

Derik Queen is expected to take a second-year step forward, while Trendon Watford provides reliable reserve production as a rebounder who can compete for minutes off the bench. Christian Koloko arrives at training camp with a clear role and path toward a roster spot.

Taken together, the Pelicans see a young, deep frontcourt entering its collective prime. Internal growth from that core, better injury luck across the roster, improved chemistry after a full offseason together, and what several players have described as a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality are the driving forces behind New Orleans’ belief that its frontcourt numbers will look much better sooner rather than later.

Well, there is no later if they look lazy on the boards again; someone would get traded if the frontcourt is viewed as a liability under Mosley. Whether that optimism translates into the standings will depend on health and consistency, two things that have eluded the Pelicans in recent years. But the pieces, on paper, are in place for a frontcourt built to take a real step forward.

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