There was an air of optimism around the New Orleans Pelicans franchise heading into the 2021-22 season: Zion Williamson was coming off of an All-Star season and Brandon Ingram was a year removed from an All-Star appearance.
The Pelicans added Devonte' Graham and Jonas Valanciunas. The goal was to get players who were a better fit around the former No. 1 overall pick, who was now the de facto point guard.
But recovery from offseason foot surgery has kept Williamson out of the lineup to start the season.