# Pelicans' Opening Game Focus

> New Orleans Pelicans' new coach aims for fast start to avoid past failures.
- Title: Pelicans' Opening Game Focus · New Orleans Pelicans On SI
- Summary: New Orleans Pelicans' new coach aims for fast start to avoid past failures. New Orleans Pelicans' new coach Jamahl Mosley must ensure a fast start to avoid…
- Keywords: pelicans, jamahl mosley, nba, new orleans, indiana pacers, zion williamson, derik queen, defensive rebounding, opponent points in the paint, preseason game, willie green, sports
- Source: New Orleans Pelicans On SI — https://si.com/nba/pelicans/onsi/jamahl-mosley-most-important-task-pelicans-opening-game-clear-01m5cswtfx52
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:00:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pelicans, jamahl mosley, nba, new orleans, indiana pacers, zion williamson, derik queen, defensive rebounding, opponent points in the paint, preseason game, willie green, sports
## Pelicans' Opening Game Focus
New Orleans Pelicans start regular season Wednesday night against Indiana Pacers.
## New Head Coach Jamahl Mosley
Mosley must ensure team gets off to fast start this season.
## Roster Continuity Challenge
Roster largely intact from last season risks falling back into bad habits.
## Last Season's Struggles
Team started 0-6 and dismissed former coach Willie Green after 12 games.
## Defensive Focus
Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray said defense was most important after toe injury.

> We was guarding. We was guarding
## Defense as Priority
Mosley led Orlando Magic to top-three defenses in two of last three years.
## Paint and Rebounding Weakness
Team ranked 25th in opponent points in paint and 28th in defensive rebounding.
## Defensive Center Search
Organization sought defensive center in free agency but no deal materialized.
## Zion Williamson's Potential
Zion Williamson has skill set to be capable defender in league.
## Coach Mosley's Defense Quote
Mosley said 'he’s too gifted, too athletic, too strong, too with high basketball IQ'.

> He’s too gifted, too athletic, too strong, too with a high basketball IQ to not be able to defend some of the best players in this league
## Five-Game Series Focus
Mosley will break games into five-game segments for better analysis.
## Avoiding Past Failures
Last season's 0-6 start buried team's hopes for remainder of year.
## Wednesday Game Goal
Mosley aims to implement culture shift through fast start.
## Key takeaway

New Orleans Pelicans' new coach Jamahl Mosley must ensure a fast start to avoid repeating last season's 0-6 start.