Early Struggles for Pelicans, Rising Role for Okogie, Kornet’s Return Lifts Spurs, Mavericks Face Front-Office Reset
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November 12, 2025 — The first 10 games of the 2025/26 campaign have been rough for the New Orleans Pelicans, who sit at 2-8 with forward Zion Williamson sidelined by another hamstring injury and head coach Willie Green’s job security in question. During the limited 75 minutes Williamson has shared the floor with Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, the trio has produced a minus-11.3 net rating.
Lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have provided rare bright spots. Fears has impressed with his ball-handling and improving decision-making in pick-and-roll action, while Queen has served as an offensive hub, scoring in double figures in each of his past four outings despite averaging only 23.5 minutes. Off-season trade acquisition Saddiq Bey has also delivered, outperforming fellow newcomer Jordan Poole after both were obtained from Washington in the deal that sent CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards.
The Pelicans now begin a five-game home stand against Western Conference opponents, a stretch that features meetings with the Lakers, Warriors, Thunder and Nuggets.
Okogie Quickly Becomes Key for Rockets
Houston’s headline deals for Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela dominated the summer, but minimum-salary pickup Josh Okogie has quietly carved out a significant role. The 6-4 wing has started seven of nine contests, with the Rockets going 6-1 in those starts. “His defensive versatility, offensive rebounding, being able to knock down those shots, it’s what we need at that position,” head coach Ime Udoka said, noting that Okogie eases pressure on Amen Thompson and fits seamlessly into multiple lineups.
Kornet Sparks Spurs After Injury Layoff
After missing seven games with ankle and shoulder issues, Spurs center Luke Kornet returned Monday and posted 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting along with seven rebounds in a victory over Chicago. His frontcourt partnership with Victor Wembanyama—lightheartedly dubbed “French Vanilla”—owns a plus-23.0 net rating across three games. “There are not a lot of shot-blockers like him in the league,” Wembanyama said. “It’s always good to play with Luke.”
Mavericks Navigate GM Change
Dallas is assessing its next steps following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison. Analyst Yossi Gozlan suggests that potential trades involving Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving could take time even if the Mavericks decide to explore the market. New co-interim GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi inherit a roster short on draft capital and heavy on underperforming veterans, challenges detailed by Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
Source: Hoops Rumors
