Zion Williamson is promising a change of approach this summer, frustrated by the New Orleans Pelicans’ failure to reach the playoffs during his tenure.
Despite acknowledging his durability and availability this season, Williamson expressed disappointment with his performance and the team’s record. The Pelicans finished the season at 26-56, missing out on the Western Conference play-in tournament for the second consecutive year.
Williamson’s Self-Assessment
Williamson described his on-court performance as ‘OK’, but stated he wants to improve. He averaged 21 points per game. He aims to develop his offensive game to become more unpredictable and versatile.
“Individually, I have a lot to go work on. I want to be able to attack from multiple areas on the court. I want to be able to be unpredictable on the offensive end, and I didn’t really do a good job of that this year. … I want to be able to do more for my team.”
Drafted first overall in 2019, Williamson played in 35 straight games this season, setting a personal record. He played the second-most games in his career, behind the 70 games he played in the 2023-24 season.
The 2023-24 season was the last time the Pelicans appeared in the NBA playoffs, but Williamson missed the playoffs due to a left hamstring injury sustained in a play-in loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Injury History and Durability
The 25-year-old Williamson has a history of injuries, having missed 280 of 556 career regular season games due to knee, hand, foot, and soft tissue issues, including a hamstring injury.
He played more than 30 games in a season only once before, in 2020-21, when he played 61 games.
Williamson stated he was proud of how quickly he recovered from injuries this year. He could have played in 65 games, but was rested for the final three.
Support from Teammates and Commitment to New Orleans
Pelicans veteran guard Dejounte Murray praised Williamson’s efforts to improve his health over the past year.
“Z — I think he’s getting it,” Murray said. “He’s got to continue to take care of his body, his mind, and his development is crucial, too.”
Despite the potential for increased interest from other teams due to his improved availability, Williamson said he prefers to remain with the Pelicans. He has two seasons remaining on a five-year contract worth close to $200 million.
“New Orleans is home for me. I don’t say that because I’m sitting in front of these cameras,” said Williamson. “When the offseason hits, a lot of guys leave the city. I live here. … I’ve been here since I was 19.”
Williamson expressed his full confidence in the vision of Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars. “He has the resume,” Williamson said, referring to Dumars’ championships as a player and general manager with the Detroit Pistons.