All hopes for the New Orleans Pelicans to reach their potential rest on the shoulders of Zion Williams. If he can stay healthy, they are a team that can make some noise in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, that isn’t something he has been able to achieve thus far in his NBA career.
Williamson has missed 194 games in four seasons, playing in fewer than 30 three times; in one of those instances, he sat out the entire season with a foot injury. Last season it was a hamstring injury that he couldn’t figure out that led to him playing in his final game on January 2nd.
Heading into the 2023-24 campaign, the Pelicans hope he can find a way to remain on the court. When he has played, he has been dominant with his efficient, bruising style of play. Youth remains on his side as well.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
That is part of the reason multiple NBA analysts selected Williamson as their pick to make the biggest jump up the top 100 player rankings after the season. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft came in at No. 57 this year, but a jump into the top 25 is certainly possible if he can remain healthy.
“Yes, he’s missed 194 games over his first four seasons. But when he’s been on the court, he’s been wildly successful: 25.8 points on 60.5% shooting with 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. And he’s still just 23 years old,” Dave McMenamin said about Williamson.
A significant impact is undoubtedly made when he is on the court. While the Pelicans are 57-57 with him on the court, they were 17-12 and one of the better teams in the Western Conference last season before he was sidelined.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Without him, New Orleans is well under the .500 mark. They were three games under last season, seven during the 2020-21 season and 10 in his rookie season and the campaign he didn’t play in.
“Before Wemby-mania, the biggest hype surrounding an incoming player was Williamson, and it was for a good reason. His lack of availability has been the knock against him, but when he’s on the court, he dominates. If he’s able to actually play a nearly full 2023-24 season, there’s no reason he won’t skyrocket up this list,” Kendra Andrews said about Williamson.
Based on the rankings, people have soured on Williamson a little bit. But, staying healthy and producing on the court will quickly remind them how good of a player he can be.
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