Matt Ryan: If Pelicans were healthy, we would have beaten the Thunder

Brandon Scoop B Robinson: New Orleans Pelicans have scheduled a draft workout with Purdue center Zach Edey. The Pelicans have the No. 21 overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft. With multiple reports indicating that Jonas Valanciunas may not return to NOLA because of perceived fit alongside their star player, Zion Williamson, Pels could look to draft the 7’4 300 pound Edey if available. -via Twitter / May 30, 2024

This isn’t just about championships, which generally require a costar (or two), a stout supporting cast, and a little luck. But even by a standard of individual accolades, our no. 1s fall short. Of the 27 players chosen first from 1994 to 2020, just four have won MVP (Allen Iverson, Duncan, James, and Rose). Just nine of those players made All-NBA at least twice. Eleven made at least one Finals—but seven of them did so while attached to a better player. Of course, that group includes young stars like Zion Williamson (2019) and Edwards (2020), who have plenty of time left to make their mark. -via The Ringer / May 29, 2024

The New Orleans Pelicans are parting ways with Jana Austin, an assistant athletic trainer who worked closely with Zion Williamson, sources told The Times-Picayune. Austin spent four seasons with the Pelicans. The team hired her in 2020. Austin previously worked for the Brooklyn Nets. She was an assistant athletic trainer in Brooklyn in 2018-19. She was then named head athletic trainer of the team’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, before the 2019-20 season. -via New Orleans Times-Picayune / May 23, 2024