New Orleans Pelicans Have Held Media Day
The team officially transitioned to training camp following a series of front office and roster adjustments.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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The New Orleans Pelicans held their media day on Monday, signaling the start of a new season. The team is aiming for a playoff berth after consecutive seasons of low win totals.
Why it matters
The organization is seeking a significant turnaround following a period of underperformance. These changes are intended to reset the team's trajectory and improve on previous standings.
The franchise recorded 26 wins last season, an improvement over the 21 wins achieved in the 2024-25 season. Head coach Jamahl Mosley takes over a team that previously saw Willie Green dismissed after just 12 games.
The players
Jamahl Mosley
He is the newly hired head coach tasked with leading the team toward a playoff appearance.
Zion Williamson
He is a central player on the roster who participated in the team media day.
Willie Green
He is the former head coach who was fired after 12 games during the previous tenure.
Bennedict Mathurin
He is a professional basketball player who joined the team as a free agent this offseason.
The details
The franchise has undergone a major overhaul, including the hiring of Jamahl Mosley as head coach and the addition of free agent Bennedict Mathurin. Players maintained fitness through off-season workouts in South Carolina, Seattle, and California, while the front office revamped the medical staff.
Timeline
Monday, September 28, 2026: Pelicans media day occurred.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026: The team begins training camp.
Season Trajectory
The organization's aggressive pursuit of a playoff spot represents a departure from recent seasons characterized by low win totals. These roster and coaching changes indicate a shift toward immediate competitiveness rather than a prolonged rebuilding phase.
The integration of Dejounte Murray and Bennedict Mathurin into the core rotation alongside Zion Williamson will define the team's offensive pace. Fans should monitor injury reports during training camp, given the organization's focus on restructuring the medical staff.
The takeaway
The team's success this year depends on the rapid cohesion of a roster featuring several new faces and a new coaching philosophy. Establishing a new culture under Jamahl Mosley will be the primary objective for the players starting this week.
Further reading
For more information on team news, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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Can a sports team successfully improve its performance without making significant changes to its roster?
