Zion Williamson is looking for a big year with the Pelicans.
The six-season veteran has seen his potential battered by injuries throughout his career, but going into this regular season expecting to be healthy will be huge for Williamson, and he will be gunning for the playoffs with the New Orleans Pelicans after a 2024-25 season that ended in disappointment for the injury-riddled team.
Given Williamson’s massive potential and the Pelicans’ recent struggles, he has been proposed as a potential trade target recently. However, Williamson has made his commitment to the team that drafted him first overall in 2019.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) stands by the scorers table during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“It’s always a privilege to throw on an NBA jersey, to be a Pelican… This is home base. No matter what people say, this is home. This is the crib. I am looking forward to playing in front of these fans again,” Williamson said when asked about playing in front of Pelicans fans.
The Pelicans are shaping up for a resurgent season with a roster featuring a handful of fresh faces after several offseason moves. The addition of Jordan Poole has received the most attention, with many eager to see the combination of Williamson and Poole light up the scoreboard in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) watches his team from the bench as they play the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. / Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Williamson has a lot to prove this season to assert himself as the standout star that he has always been projected to be. The Pelicans have started the preseason well, winning both games against their Australian opponents, and will soon face off against the Houston Rockets for their first preseason test against an NBA opponent.
Williamson is slated for a big year this season and is projected for 27.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assist per game, according to Basketball Reference. These would all be career highs for Williamson and a fully healthy season is the biggest key for him to maintain the elite-level play he’s capable of.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
However, if Williamson’s season shapes up, he is determined to do it all in a Pelicans jersey. Williamson has made his home in New Orleans and is one of the city’s biggest stars in sports as a whole. As frustrating as his career setbacks have been for both him and his team, the fact that New Orleans has stood by his side through it all is more than enough reason for Williamson to want to do the same.
It’s a massive season for the Pelicans full of potential, and Williamson’s journey will be one to watch.