Despite having one of the worst records in the league this season, the New Orleans Pelicans have shown signs of life of late, having won four of the last nine games after winning only 13 of their first 39.
Part of their late-season performance has been the resurgence of Zion Williamson, who has been playing on a minute restriction since returning from injury, though he has played more minutes of late. With him confined to playing only around 27 minutes a game and sitting in one game of their back-to-backs, he has still made us put up terrific numbers.
After his return from a hamstring injury in December, Zion has put on a show, averaging 25.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting an impressive 60.9% from the field. That has quieted concerns about his future with the Pelicans and shown that he can still be an elite player when healthy.
His staying healthy is an entirely different story, with him having missed more than half of his career games thus far. However, the Pelicans can afford to be patient with Zion and give him at least another season to see if he can live up to his full potential.
Zion Williamson's strong play should force the New Orleans Pelicans to reconsider their offseason
Although New Orleans hasn't shopped Zion, it seemed almost inevitable considering his injury history. Now, with him stringing together an impressive stretch, the Pelicans should keep him in their plans and see if they can build around him.
They will get their first chance during the 2025 NBA. They have the fourth-worst record in the league, which would give them a 12.5% chance at picking first overall. If the Pelicans were to luck out and pick first overall for the third time in a dozen years, it would be a game changer for New Orleans.
It would give Zion a new co-star, and they would quickly be able to retool their team around Zion and projected first overall pick Cooper Flagg. Even if they don't land Flagg, then Dylan Harper would be a nice consolation prize and give them a high-level playmaker.
Point guard Dejounte Murray is likely to miss most of next season with an Achilles tear, and how he will look once he returns is in question. Therefore, the Pelicans could use a long-term replacement, and Harper would be a perfect fit, particularly if paired with Zion.
Ultimately, Zion's play over the last 18 games restored faith that he can be an elite player for the Pelicans. With New Orleans struggling through a rough season, they don't need to make any major decisions involving his future right now.
Instead, they can see how the summer plays out, specifically involving the draft lottery. If they can land a top young prospect to play with Zion and Zion can stay healthy, then New Orleans can quickly rebuild around their best player.