Pelicans depth chart updates as of today show a clear picture of how New Orleans is structuring its starting lineup and rotation during the heart of the 2025–26 NBA season. With confirmed roster roles, current starters, and defined bench responsibilities, the Pelicans are relying on a mix of young core pieces, established scorers, and developing frontcourt talent as they navigate the Western Conference schedule.
This breakdown reflects only verified, active roster information and game-rotation usage from recent contests. No projections, no speculation, and no outdated player placements are included.
Table of Contents
Current Pelicans Depth Chart by Position
Point Guard (PG)
Starter:
Jeremiah Fears
Primary Backup:
Jose Alvarado
Additional Rotation:
Jordan Poole, Trey Alexander
Fears has taken over as the primary ball-handler, running the offense and logging heavy minutes. Alvarado remains the first guard off the bench when healthy, bringing defensive pressure and tempo control. Poole provides scoring in two-guard lineups, while Alexander fills situational minutes.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter:
Trey Murphy III
Primary Backup:
Bryce McGowens
Additional Rotation:
Jordan Hawkins
Murphy continues to serve as the team’s most reliable perimeter scorer and a focal point in half-court sets. McGowens supplies athleticism and slashing off the bench, while Hawkins contributes shooting depth and spacing.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter:
Saddiq Bey
Primary Backup:
Micah Peavy
Bey’s versatility allows him to defend multiple positions while stretching the floor. Peavy provides defensive energy and length, often matching up with opposing wings.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter:
Zion Williamson
Primary Backup:
Karlo Matković
Williamson anchors the interior offense, drawing double teams and controlling the paint when available. Matković supplies size, rebounding, and rim presence in second-unit lineups.
Center (C)
Starter:
Derik Queen
Primary Backup:
Yves Missi
Additional Depth:
Kevon Looney, DeAndre Jordan
Queen has emerged as the primary rim protector and starting center, while Missi handles energy minutes and rebounding duties. Veteran centers provide situational depth and experience when needed.
Full Pelicans Depth Chart Table
| Position | Starter | Second Unit | Rotation Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Jeremiah Fears | Jose Alvarado | Jordan Poole, Trey Alexander |
| SG | Trey Murphy III | Bryce McGowens | Jordan Hawkins |
| SF | Saddiq Bey | Micah Peavy | Jordan Hawkins |
| PF | Zion Williamson | Karlo Matković | Saddiq Bey |
| C | Derik Queen | Yves Missi | Kevon Looney, DeAndre Jordan |
How the Pelicans Depth Chart Shapes the Rotation
Backcourt Structure
The Pelicans depth chart shows a guard rotation built around speed, shooting, and defensive pressure. Fears handles primary creation, while Murphy spaces the floor and carries a significant scoring load. Alvarado’s presence off the bench changes tempo, often sparking runs with on-ball defense.
Poole’s role has shifted toward instant offense, particularly in small-ball lineups where he shares the floor with Murphy. Hawkins remains a key shooter in second units, providing spacing when the offense stalls.
Wing Versatility
Saddiq Bey’s ability to play both forward spots gives New Orleans lineup flexibility. He often slides between small forward and power forward depending on matchups. Peavy adds defensive balance, especially against elite opposing scorers.
Frontcourt Balance
Zion Williamson remains the focal point of the Pelicans depth chart in the frontcourt. When on the floor, the offense runs through him in the post and in transition. Queen’s development at center has stabilized the defense, while Missi’s athleticism boosts rebounding and rim protection.
Veteran bigs provide emergency depth and leadership, particularly in foul trouble situations or matchup-based rotations.
Bench Impact and Second-Unit Roles
The Pelicans’ second unit relies on:
- Energy from Alvarado
- Scoring from Poole and McGowens
- Floor spacing from Hawkins
- Interior defense from Missi
This group allows the coaching staff to maintain pace and defensive intensity while preserving starter minutes.
Why the Pelicans Depth Chart Matters
The current Pelicans depth chart highlights:
- A youth-driven core at point guard and center
- A proven scoring wing in Trey Murphy III
- A dominant interior force in Zion Williamson
- Flexible forward rotations with Bey and Matković
- Reliable veteran depth for situational stability
These elements define how New Orleans approaches both half-court execution and transition play.
Visual Placement for Your Website
You may insert images in the following sections:
- Header Image:
New Orleans Pelicans team warm-up or game action. - Depth Chart Graphic:
Table-style lineup visual showing starters and bench. - Star Player Image:
Zion Williamson in-game action in the paint. - Backcourt Image:
Trey Murphy III and Jeremiah Fears running offense.
The Pelicans depth chart continues to evolve as the season progresses, and lineup adjustments remain one of the most closely watched storylines for New Orleans fans. Share your thoughts on the current rotation and stay tuned for the next update.
