The New Orleans Pelicans have made it a point to ramp up their supporting cast talent around Zion Williamson in an effort to reach NBA title contender status.
Most notably, the Pelicans acquired C.J. McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers using a midseason trade. The only problem? Williamson has often been unavailable to play. He missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season and has played in just 85 regular-season games in three seasons.
Some have speculated about Williamson’s long-term future in New Orleans but lately, there’s been increased talk about a potential contract extension.
“I do want to be here. That’s no secret. I feel like I’ve stood on that when I spoke,” Williamson told reporters at the Dryades YMCA (New Orleans). “Currently, this does not really have anything to do with that. This is just me wanting to be a pillar in my community.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson Sounds Ready For Big 2022-23 Season
Williamson has been a dominant paint presence when he’s been on the floor. He earned an All-Star appearance in 2020-21 with averages of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while converting at a staggering 62.2 percent rate on 2-point field goals.
It’s easy to be intrigued by what the Pelicans can achieve with talents like Brandon Ingram, McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Williamson. There are other young complementary pieces that should only develop with time and have the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft at their disposal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson Sounds Ready For Big 2022-23 Season
Staying healthy throughout the offseason will be important for Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. He suffered a broken foot last offseason when he was working out to continue to develop his game, but it ultimately proved to end his 2021-22 season before it even started.
“It was a long year for me for rehab and mental battles. I’m fine now. I’m ready to get to work,” Williamson said.
