Pelicans’ Bey Emerges as Leading Comeback Story; Murphy Cleared, Zion Questionable
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Saddiq Bey’s first year in New Orleans continues to impress. After sitting out the entire 2024/25 campaign with a torn ACL, the 26-year-old wing is averaging 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists through 54 games (46 starts, 30.8 minutes). Bey delivered a season-high 42 points on 14-of-20 shooting in Thursday’s win at Utah, adding seven assists and five rebounds.
Interim head coach James Borrego said Bey’s daily work ethic has elevated the club. “He does not take a day for granted,” Borrego noted. “Every day he gets to walk into an NBA gym, he values it.”
Fears Posts Second Double-Double
Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears, selected seventh overall last year, registered 18 points, a career-best 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench in Saturday’s victory in Utah. Borrego praised the 19-year-old’s poise and playmaking: “His pace settled us. To rebound like that at his size fuels our offense.”
Murphy Returns; Williamson in Doubt
Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans’ leading scorer, has been upgraded to available for Sunday night’s matchup with the Clippers after missing five games with a right shoulder contusion. Forward Zion Williamson is listed as questionable for the second game of the back-to-back after leaving Saturday’s contest in the second quarter with a right ankle injury.
Alvarado Reflects on Trade
Former guard Jose Alvarado told The Athletic that being dealt to New York at the trade deadline was “bittersweet,” emphasizing his strong connection to New Orleans and its fans. “New Orleans will always be home to me,” Alvarado said, citing the city’s resilience and the mutual passion he shared with supporters.
Source: Hoops Rumors
