New Orleans

Pelicans

Mosley, who was fired by the Magic shortly after their ouster from the NBA Playoffs, was not unemployed for long, as the Pelicans decided to bring him on board. One of his tasks in New Orleans will be to help Williamson tap into his full potential. “He hasn’t even scratched the surface of things he can do,” Mosley told reporters, according to ESPN. “I really do believe that. And I think being able to open the floor up more for him, attacking, being able to play him in different positions, because he’s an excellent basketball player with a high IQ for playmaking, for making guys around him better, knowing when to make plays and the right passes to make.” While he was given some playmaking responsibilities by previous coaches, Zion’s inability to stay healthy limited his overall output. The injury history means Williamson’s fantasy draft outlook won’t be much affected by Mosley’s words. However, the new head coach’s willingness to give Zion more responsibility should bode well for the forward’s immediate future in New Orleans.

It is a five-year deal for Mosley, who was let go by the Magic just two weeks prior to this. He led Orlando for five years, going 189-221 with three playoff appearances. Mosley was able to turn a lottery team into a playoff team by his third season and will look to replicate that culture shift in New Orleans.

Borrego was 24-46 as interim head coach after taking over for Willie Green, who was fired last November. Prior to that, Borrego was the associate head coach under Green and he previously spent four years as the Hornets head coach, going 138-163 with no playoff appearances. While Borrego will be included in the search for a new Pelicans head coach, he seems like a long shot to land the job. He had plenty of time to make an impression this season and the Pelicans were more than 20 games below .500 on his watch.

A 20-point scorer in two of his last three games, Peavy finished Sunday’s defeat with a new season-high in points. The rookie wing shot 50 percent from the field and recorded a complete stat line, taking advantage of the extended minutes. While Peavy’s redraft league value for next season will remain extremely low due to the Pelicans’ wing depth, he’ll be worth taking a flier on in dynasty leagues.

Queen finished his first NBA season with the first 30/20 game of his pro career. With the Pelicans only playing seven players on Sunday, the rookie center logged 41 minutes in the season finale. Queen recorded a complete stat line against the Timberwolves, making the low field-goal percentage more palatable. Queen certainly had his moments this season, but improvement on the defensive end of the floor is what will unlock his full potential in the years to come.

Fears finished his rookie season on a tear, scoring at least 36 points in each of his final three games. The ability to get to the foul line boosted his point total on Sunday, but the overall stat line was one that many fantasy managers will take. With Dejounte Murray back in the fold, Fears’ value in redraft leagues won’t match his dynasty league value next season.

Murphy and Murray remain sidelined for the Pelicans’ final game of the season. Jeremiah Fears has benefited most in terms of playing time and scoring opportunities, with Jordan Hawkins’ playing time also increasing off the bench.

The continued absences of Williamson and Missi are most impactful, as Derik Queen and Kevon Looney have served as the starting power forward and center. That should remain the case on Sunday, with Queen more likely to play starters’ minutes. As for Matković, his continued absence does not significantly affect the Pelicans’ rotation.

Bey and Jones will remain out for the Pelicans’ final game of the season. Jordan Poole and Micah Peavy have moved into the starting lineup, with the former being the superior option for those in active fantasy leagues.

Fears now has 76 points in his last two games. The 19-year-old is certainly showing what he’s made of at the end of his rookie season. Fears wasn’t much of a factor in redraft leagues this season, but is still a coveted dynasty asset. He could be in line for another big game against the Timberwolves in the season finale on Sunday.