The New Orleans Pelicans haven’t made many moves during the offseason outside of selecting Dyson Daniels with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. New Orleans’s biggest move came ahead of the trade deadline when they acquired CJ McCollum and Larry Nance Jr. from the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Pelicans rode the momentum from that deal right into a playoff spot. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs and LA Clippers in the NBA Play-In Tournament before pushing the Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round of the 2022 NBA Postseason.
While New Orleans had to be happy with how the season ended, as they dug themselves into a 3-16 hole to begin the season. However, it is fair to ask how different things would have gone had Zion Williamson been in the lineup.
Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season because of a foot injury that he suffered in the offseason. He looked close to getting back on the court a few times but was never able to get fully cleared.
Injuries have hampered him throughout his career, as he has appeared in only 85 games in three seasons. It is certainly a red flag, but that didn’t stop the New Orleans Pelicans from offering him a five-year, max rookie extension worth up to $231 million.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson Embracing New Orleans Pelicans As NBA Home
It is something that Zion Williamson is very grateful for given how things transpired this season. But, he is ready to prove his worth and is motivated by many factors.
“It was a tough year. For the Pelicans to come give me this birthday gift, I’m not going to let them down,” Williamson said during a news conference announcing his five-year maximum contract extension that could be worth up to $231 million. “I’m not going to let my family down. I’m not going to let the city down. And most importantly, I’m not going to let myself down.”
There has been a lot of chatter about Williamson not wanting to be in New Orleans. Essentially since the New Orleans Pelicans landed the No. 1 overall pick, the rumors of him wanting to leave have popped up. It doesn’t help matters that there are reports of his family members pushing for him to leave as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson Embracing New Orleans Pelicans As NBA Home
He addressed some of that during his press conference, reaffirming that New Orleans is where he wants to be regardless of what has been reported.
“In the beginning of the season, I told the world, ‘If y’all ever want to know if I want to be here.’ Instead of asking me, the world just ran with narratives,” he said. “So when my family was going out in public on why we don’t like New Orleans, why we don’t want to be here when that’s not the case at all. I wasn’t able to play because my foot was broke. So that sucked. Every time I checked my phone, it was always negative. Even when you’re trying to make a positive of the situation, it was very tough.”
New Orleans responded well in Willie Green’s first season as head coach despite the early struggles. Hopefully, Williamson can get back on the court and start creating something positive with his teammates.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson Embracing New Orleans Pelicans As NBA Home
This is a very talented team that could make some noise in the Western Conference with a full offseason of building chemistry and cohesion. Things are certainly looking up, especially if Zion Williamson can stay healthy and in the lineup.
