The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that a lot of people around the NBA are going to have their eyes on. The team’s success, or lack thereof, on the court could change the landscape of the NBA.
New Orleans has what looks to be a transcendent star on their team in Zion Williamson. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft has had some injuries concerns early in his career, but when he is on the court, he has been utterly dominant.
He is entering his third season in the league but already looks like one of the more unstoppable players in the league. His sheer size and explosive athleticism allow him to destroy opponents in the paint.
Last season, Williamson made his first career All-Star game. He averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 33.2 minutes per game. Point-Zion became a theme as the season wore on as the ball was put in his hands more and he developed his playmaking.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Exec Sounds Alarm On Pelicans’ Zion Williamson’s Injury History
There is no denying that Williamson is a talent other players around the league will want to team up with. But, will those team-ups occur in New Orleans or another city? It is something that NBA executives are keeping an eye on, as the Pelicans do not have a good track record when it comes to keeping All-NBA talent long-term.
“Until Williamson puts pen to paper in July, rival front offices will hope and prepare for the possibility of a Zion free-agency frenzy come 2024. And even if Williamson does re-sign, teams will keep a radar trained onto New Orleans in hopes he seeks a trade like Simmons, just as Chris Paul and Anthony Davis did in NOLA before him.”
David Griffin is going to do everything in his power to ensure that doesn’t happen. Building up the roster, winning some games, and making the playoffs would be the easiest course of action to making sure Williamson wants to remain a Pelican.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Exec Sounds Alarm On Pelicans’ Zion Williamson’s Injury History
Earlier this offseason, it was already being reported that members of his family do not want him playing in New Orleans for the Pelicans anymore. Zion Williamson paints a more promising picture, saying it is all love between him and Griffin.
But, if the losses continue piling up, his feelings may change. Ultimately, he wants to win games and if he doesn’t feel like that will occur in New Orleans, he will seek out another team that will help him accomplish that goal.
