By Gee Bino
The New Orleans Pelicans are betting that new head coach Jamahl Mosley can solve one of the franchise’s biggest problems: defense.
After a disappointing 26-56 campaign in 2025-26, the Pelicans entered the offseason searching for a new identity. The organization ultimately turned to Mosley, a coach widely respected around the NBA for building one of basketball’s stingiest defensive units during his tenure with the Orlando Magic.
If Mosley can successfully import his defensive philosophy to New Orleans, the Pelicans could quickly transform from one of the league’s worst defensive teams into one of its most physical and disruptive.
Why the Pelicans Needed a Defensive Reset
Defense was arguably the biggest issue for New Orleans last season.
The Pelicans finished the 2025-26 season ranked near the bottom of the NBA in defensive efficiency, surrendering easy dribble penetration, struggling to defend the three-point line, and routinely breaking down in transition.
Too often, opponents generated quality looks with little resistance.
Those defensive struggles ultimately played a major role in the franchise’s decision to move in a new direction on the sidelines.
Enter Mosley.
Jamahl Mosley Built an Elite Defense in Orlando
During his four-plus seasons leading the Orlando Magic, Mosley established one of the NBA’s premier defensive cultures.
The results speak for themselves.
2023-24: Orlando finished with the NBA’s third-best defensive rating (110.8).
2024-25: The Magic improved to the league’s second-ranked defense.
2025-26: Despite significant injuries, Orlando still posted the NBA’s 11th-best defensive rating (114.3).
Those rankings were no accident.
Mosley developed a defensive identity centered around physicality, communication, accountability, and relentless ball pressure.
Simply put, Orlando became a team opponents hated facing.
What Is Jamahl Mosley’s Defensive Philosophy?
Mosley’s defensive system begins with a simple principle:
“Crawl into the ball.”
The philosophy demands aggressive point-of-attack defense, fierce screen navigation, and constant pressure on opposing ball handlers.
His teams routinely:
Fight aggressively over screens.
Run shooters off the three-point line.
Force opponents into difficult mid-range attempts.
Use length to disrupt passing lanes.
Generate turnovers and transition opportunities.
Mosley’s defenses thrive by making every possession uncomfortable.
That style could be exactly what New Orleans needs.
Herb Jones Could Become Mosley’s Defensive Spearhead
Few players on the Pelicans roster appear better suited for Mosley’s system than Herb Jones.
Jones possesses elite lateral quickness, tremendous instincts, and a massive wingspan.
Under Mosley, Jones could assume a role similar to the one Jalen Suggs played in Orlando.
Expect Jones to become New Orleans’ primary perimeter enforcer.
Mosley will likely empower Jones to:
Pick up ball handlers early.
Aggressively disrupt pick-and-roll actions.
Gamble for deflections.
Pressure opposing stars throughout the game.
Jones already ranks among the NBA’s best perimeter defenders. Mosley’s system could elevate him even further.
Can Zion Williamson Thrive Defensively?
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Pelicans defense centers on Zion Williamson.
Williamson’s physical gifts are undeniable. At his best, he possesses elite strength, explosive athleticism, and outstanding rebounding ability.
However, off-ball awareness and perimeter defense have often been areas of concern.
Mosley may have found the answer.
Instead of asking Williamson to chase guards around the perimeter, the new coach could utilize Zion as a weak-side help defender and low-man rotator.
In Orlando, Mosley often used larger forwards near the basket to provide secondary rim protection.
A similar approach in New Orleans could maximize Zion’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
By keeping Williamson closer to the paint, the Pelicans can utilize his size, rebounding, and explosive second jump to deter drivers and finish possessions.
Trey Murphy III Could Flourish as a Defensive Playmaker
Another player who could benefit tremendously from Mosley’s scheme is Trey Murphy III.
Murphy’s length, athleticism, and versatility make him an ideal fit in a help-heavy defensive system.
Mosley relies heavily on wings who can:
Rotate quickly.
Switch across multiple positions.
Blow up passing lanes.
Close out on shooters.
Murphy’s ability to cover ground rapidly could make him New Orleans’ version of a defensive free safety.
His length should also allow him to disrupt cross-court passes and create transition opportunities.
Accountability Will Define the New Era
More than schemes or X’s and O’s, Mosley’s greatest impact may come through accountability.
Throughout his time in Orlando, Mosley established a clear standard:
Defend, communicate, compete—or sit.
That level of accountability could represent a culture shock for portions of the Pelicans roster.
Players who fail to communicate, rotate, or compete consistently may see their playing time reduced.
Mosley’s approach places tremendous value on effort and discipline.
For a Pelicans team blessed with elite athletic tools but often criticized for inconsistent defensive focus, that accountability may be exactly what’s needed.
Can Jamahl Mosley Fix the Pelicans Defense?
The answer is simple:
He has done it before.
Mosley inherited a struggling Orlando franchise and transformed it into one of the NBA’s most respected defensive teams.
The Pelicans possess plenty of defensive talent.
Herb Jones remains one of basketball’s elite stoppers. Trey Murphy III offers tremendous versatility. Zion Williamson has unique physical gifts. Young big men like Yves Missi, Derik Queen, and Karlo Matkovic provide size and athleticism.
If Mosley can successfully combine those pieces with his defensive principles, New Orleans could make one of the league’s biggest jumps on that end of the floor.
And if that happens, the Pelicans may quickly find themselves back in playoff contention.
About the Author
Gee Bino is a senior columnist and digital publisher for The Who Dat Daily and TSC Media, covering the New Orleans Saints, Pelicans, LSU athletics, and Gulf South sports. He is also the founder and CEO of TSC Media and host of The Sports Coma, Pelican Postgame Report, and Tuff Tiger Talk, reaching thousands of sports supporters across the Gulf South daily.
