The New Orleans Pelicans gradually improved their roster throughout the 2021-22 NBA season, resulting in a playoff appearance for the first time since 2018. After trading for one of the league’s purest scorers in C.J. McCollum, the New Orleans Pelicans have their foundation set. Furthermore, it did not take long for defensive specialists Jose Alverado and Herb Jones to showcase what they do best.
Although they did lose in the first round to the Phoenix Suns, the New Orleans Pelicans were without their best player. Zion Williamson is not only the Pelicans’ most valuable piece, but he is also one of the best young stars the league has to offer.
After missing all of last year, Williamson is expected to be fully prepared for the season opener. Just a season ago, Williamson was selected as an All-Star starter and crushed several franchise records. With former Most Improved Player Brandon Ingram coming off one of the best seasons of his young career, the Pelicans could pose a threat to many of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Additionally, the Pelicans have one of the most underrated centers in the NBA with Jonas Valanciunas. With a variety of talents to work with, head coach Willie Green will have to draw up plays for his stars and manage to keep his rotational pieces involved. This will require Ingram and Williamson to co-exist.
The New Orleans Pelicans duo of Williamson and Ingram may be one of the best in the NBA.
The New Orleans Pelicans have more than enough talent needed to make a deep playoff run this season. Their future is in great hands as Ingram and Williamson have both been extended to long-term deals. Now that it’s clear who the Pelicans are leaning on, Williamson and Ingram will have to develop unbreakable chemistry on the court.
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has agreed on a five-year, $193 million designated maximum rookie extension that could earn him as much as $231 million, CAA Sports’ Co-Head of Basketball Austin Brown tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/z4lnVLD1GM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022
Despite not playing together in over a year, Williamson and Ingram have proven that they can share the spotlight. When playing alongside each other during the 2020–21 season, Williamson and Ingram posted an offensive rating of 115.6, a “player impact estimate” of 52.6, and an assist percentage of 61.9. In addition, these two put up a rebound percentage of 52.8 and a true shooting percentage of 59.0. These numbers compare to some of the NBA’s best duos.
Individually, it is clear what Williamson and Ingram are capable of. Opposing teams are already aware of what they are going up against. One area that these two will have to excel in is playmaking. Teams across the league will have their focus centered on Williamson and Ingram, leaving many opportunities for their teammates. Luckily, Ingram and Williamson are already phenomenal playmakers. The only thing holding them back is their health.
If Ingram and Williamson can remain healthy, the Pelicans should have no problem contending for a top-five seed. Williamson, who hasn’t played in an NBA game in over a year, may need some time to adjust.
As the season progresses, these two will show the rest of the world how elite they can be when playing next to each other. Moreover, these two will more than likely be in the mix for All-NBA honors, as well as an All-Star selection and several other awards.