Given how things started for the New Orleans Pelicans, they have to be happy about how things ended up. They lost in six games to the Phoenix Suns in their first-round series of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, but just getting that far should be viewed as an achievement.
New Orleans had to get through the NBA Play-In Tournament, finishing ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 36-46. In the first game, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs, setting up a meeting with the LA Clippers. The Pelicans caught a break with Paul George missing the game and took full advantage, winning and advancing to earn the No. 8 seed.
This is a New Orleans team that is just scratching the surface of its potential. This is an overall young team, as they set a record for minutes played in the postseason by rookies. New Orleans had three in their rotation; first-round pick Trey Murphy III, second-round pick Herbert Jones and undrafted free agent Jose Alvarado.
When you mix in Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr., this is a roster that has a lot of promise. Now, imagine what they could do with the inclusion of Zion Williamson.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson Reveals Thoughts On Pelicans Contract Extension
Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season as he recovered from an offseason procedure on a foot fracture. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has already revealed that he would sign an extension should the franchise present him one.
That kind of commitment is certainly what the organization wants to hear, as they would love to have Williamson as part of the roster going forward. He also added that he is ready to do whatever head coach Willie Green needs of him. Williamson knows this is a special group that the New Orleans Pelicans have and is excited to get to work with his teammates he didn’t get to spent much of this season with.
There is a lot to get excited about in New Orleans. If they can get a healthy Zion Williamson added to the mix, they can make a lot of noise next season in the Western Conference with an excellent Big 3 and strong supporting cast.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson Reveals Thoughts On Pelicans Contract Extension
They also have one of the bright young coaches in the game leading the way in Green, who has gained valuable experience spending time on the staff of the Golden State Warriors and Suns.
