Zion Williamson is one of the best young stars in the NBA today, and when he’s been healthy, he’s been a dominant interior force that can score at will in the paint. During the 2020-21 season, Zion Williamson averaged 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 3.7 APG while shooting 61.1% from the field. He did not play during the 2021-22 season due to a foot injury.
Throughout Zion Williamson’s career, there has always been speculation that he might leave the New Orleans Pelicans. In fact, some believe that he is destined to play for a big market like the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers.
With that being said, the New Orleans Pelicans have done their best to put a top-tier squad around Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram has shown that he can be the No. 1 option on a solid playoff team, and they have a good amount of supporting talent on the roster as well.
Recently, Zion Williamson admitted that it’s “no secret” that he wants to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson is notably eligible for a max contract during this offseason.
I do want to be here. That’s no secret. I feel like I’ve stood on that when I spoke.
New Orleans Pelicans GM David Griffin has recently confirmed that Zion Williamson will in fact receive a max contract offer this summer, pointing out that Williamson “is historically good” when he’s on the court.
“It’s a pretty easy decision. The kid is historically good when he plays. It’s really going to be about if you’re all the way in with us, this is what it looks like. And we’re all the way in with him.”
It remains to be seen how Zion Williamson looks when he gets back on the court. If he is as dominant as he was prior to the injury, the New Orleans Pelicans could get far in the playoffs next year.
There is no doubt that the New Orleans Pelicans have a bright future. Zion Williamson is a key part of it, and hopefully, we see him stay healthy and dominate for the entirety of next season.
