New Orleans Pelicans Superstar Zion Williamson’s future with the franchise has been the subject of intense conversation across the NBA world. This will be something to watch this summer.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Pelicans’ front office isn’t necessarily keen on giving Williamson a guaranteed five-year maximum extension this summer. His tendency to get injured has been very evident throughout his short career so far. Windhorst said:
“The big drama this summer has to do with Zion’s contract. At the end of the season, when speaking to the media, he said he would happily sign an extension when presented to him. But it is not that simple. Any player in his position would sign a maximum guaranteed contract of five years.
Windhorst continued:
“But from what I’ve been told, the Pelicans are unwilling to offer a full guaranteed five-year deal. And a lot of it stems from ownership. They will offer him a huge contract, but won’t. guarantee all this.
“If Zion agrees to those terms and still protects himself and gets maybe over $100 million guaranteed, he signs it and all is well. If he doesn’t sign it and wants the full [contract] guaranteed we can have some drama in the fall.”
Williamson, the first pick in the 2019 draft, has missed the entire season. He had already missed almost all of his rookie season (24 games) due to a knee injury.
What future for the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson?
The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a tumultuous season. They started 3-16 under first-year coach Willie Green in the month after it was announced that Williamson underwent foot surgery in the offseason. But the franchise has always affirmed its intention to make the playoffs, even without Williamson.
The acquisition of CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline in mid-February accentuated this point. After going 36-46 in late January, New Orleans went 18-14 for the rest of the season.
The Pels went on to win two playoff games. They then took the Phoenix Suns, who had the NBA’s best record, to six games in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Once Williamson is healthy again, he, along with Brandon Ingram and McCollum, could potentially lead the Pelicans deep into the playoffs. Williamson was an All-Star, averaging 27.0 points per game, in the only healthy season of his career (last season).
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In those three, the New Orleans Pelicans will have players who can get a bucket at will. Williamson will always attract double teams because his game is based on his ability inside the arc. When the defense crumbles on him, he can distribute it to the open man in McCollum or Ingram.
However, the current need of the hour for Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans is for him to be healthy and stay healthy. The franchise’s future hinges heavily on Williamson’s health.
