New Orleans Pelicans' Best, Worst Duos From Last Season

July 26, 2026 - 18:28

The New Orleans Pelicans saw a wide range of results depending on which players shared the floor last season. Among the various two-man combinations, one duo stood out for its dominant performance while another pair struggled badly.

The top-performing tandem was the pairing of Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III. When these two were on the court together, the Pelicans posted a net rating of plus 9.1 points per 100 possessions. That number represents the highest efficiency swing for any duo that logged significant minutes. Ingram's ability to create shots and Murphy's floor spacing created a dangerous combination that often overwhelmed opposing defenses.

On the other end of the spectrum, the pairing of Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas produced the worst net rating among regular duos. When those two shared the floor, the Pelicans were outscored by 6.2 points per 100 possessions. The defensive fit was a major issue. Valanciunas struggled to guard quicker centers on the perimeter, and Williamson's limitations as a help defender left the paint vulnerable. Offensively, the spacing also suffered because both players operated best near the basket.

These numbers highlight a key challenge for the Pelicans' coaching staff. The team's best scorer, Williamson, did not mesh well with their starting center. Finding lineups that maximize Williamson's strengths while covering his defensive weaknesses will be a priority heading into the new season. The success of the Ingram-Murphy pairing, however, gives the team a proven blueprint for an effective small-ball look.