What's next for the young-and-hungry New Orleans Pelicans?

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 24: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round against the Phoenix Suns at the Smoothie King Center on April 24, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans were one of the greatest surprises of the NBA season. After a horrific start to the season, they turned things around in a big way and ended up making the NBA Playoffs.

Not only that, but they took the league-best Phoenix Suns to six games. Even though Devin Booker missed a chunk of the series, that’s still an extremely impressive accomplishment for the young-and-hungry Pelicans.

Led by Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans looked great toward the end of the season. And with all the rookies they have on the roster, one intriguing question needs to be asked – what’s next?

What’s next for the young-and-hungry New Orleans Pelicans?

Well, the Pelicans have a great mix of veterans and youngsters on their roster. Both McCollum and Ingram have plenty of NBA experience, as do guys like Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr.

And on the flip side, you have guys like Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Jose Alvarado, who were all standout rookies this year for New Orleans. That’s without even mentioning the in-between players like Devonte’ Graham and Jaxson Hayes.

But as amazing as all of those guys are, one man will determine the ceiling of the Pelicans – Zion Williamson. The young superstar has yet to play in a game this season, but when he was on the court, he was one of the most dominant players in the league.

In his exit interview, Williamson said that he would sign an extension with the team in a heartbeat, which should be music to Pelicans fans’ ears. Although, in recent history, signing an extension doesn’t mean much when players can force their way out.

Regardless, Williamson has been more active within the team throughout the playoffs, cheering on his team on the sidelines as he continues to recover from his foot injury.

But the beauty of it all is, the Pelicans were a solid team without Williamson. Even if he doesn’t play a ton next year, for some reason, they should still be looked at as a playoff team.

That being said, Williamson is the difference between the Pelicans being a decent playoff team vs. a fringe contender. That’s how good the young forward is.

And his status next year will determine what’s next for the Pelicans. Will they be a young, hungry team fighting for a postseason spot, or will they be battling amongst the top teams in the Western Conference?

Next. Brandon Ingram has officially arrived. dark

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