Ever since he was selected first in the 2019 Draft, Zion Williamson’s health and availability for the New Orleans Pelicans have always been questionable. This season, though, the All-Star forward is stepping up with a revelation that should scare the Pels’ NBA rivals.
As compared to other young players in the league, Williamson hasn’t been as available as many would like since the Pelicans drafted him first in 2019. Thanks to various injuries, the All-Star forward’s improvement has been consistently hampered.
In the event Williamson was present to play for New Orleans, the forward proved to be the game-changer for his team. Before this season, he averaged 25.8 points on 60 percent shooting from the field, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over the past four years. His efficiency and ability to draw defenses to the rim while getting a bucket effectively made the Pelicans’ offense a lot better.
This season, Williamson’s numbers have dropped to 22.1 points on 57 percent shooting from the field, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per contest. Even if that’s the case, the Pelicans hold the Western Conference’s fifth seed with a 38-25 record, with the team projected to make the playoffs this year.
New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson’ Health Status For The Rest Of This Season
Speaking to reporters recently, Williamson explained how he’s feeling lately. In a video shared by Pelicans Film Room on X, the Pels’ forward shared why he has played in so many games this season.
“I am getting there. Just stacking my days of extra conditioning over time. I am starting to see some of those results. I just gotta maintain and keep going”
— Zion Williamson on feeling 100% like Zion pic.twitter.com/JXx6W5DnSQ
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) March 11, 2024
Having Williamson in the lineup means the Pelicans have a strong chance to make waves when the playoffs start soon. With CJ McCollum as New Orleans’ starting guard, Brandon Ingram on the wing, and talented role players present, the forward has everything he needs in a team to succeed. And if he does succeed, NOLA might pull off a surprise elimination and make a deep run in the postseason.
The All-Star forward’s claim of getting there when it comes to conditioning is something other NBA teams should keep an eye on. A healthy Williamson will always be a threat to these franchises, but definitely a boon for the Pelicans.
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