Pelicans forward Zion Williamson made his debut with the Pelicans five years ago as of Wednesday, and there have been plenty of highs and lows during that five-year stretch, write Christian Clark and William Guillory of The Athletic. Specifically, Williamson’s missed 230 of a potential 424 regular season games since he entered the league, calling into question just how high New Orleans’ ceiling can be with him.
Clark and Guillory opine that the Pelicans have done well to surround Williamson with talent, but health and availability have always hindered the team even when its star player has been healthy. Williamson seems to be taking a step forward this season, especially defensively, and he’s averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest.
Clark and Guillory agree that the Pelicans need to make decisions on the Brandon Ingram situation and the coaching staff before they seriously weigh Williamson’s future in New Orleans.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- CJ McCollum is shouldering the scoring load for the Pelicans during their four-game win streak, Rod Walker of NOLA.com writes. McCollum recorded 45 points in an overtime win against the Jazz on Monday after scoring 26 in a victory over Utah last Friday.
- Rockets center Alperen Sengun remains on a strong career trajectory, helping lead Houston to a 29-14 record this season. After winning 42 combined games in Sengun’s first two years in the NBA, the Rockets went 41-41 last season and are now on a 55-win pace in 2024/25, continuing their ascent. In an in-depth interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Sengun opened up about his past and what he thinks has changed for Houston. “Opportunity, and (head coach) Ime (Udoka) believing in me,” Sengun said of his impressive development. “That was the biggest reason. He’s shown me that multiple times — last year, this year. He always trusted me. And that’s one of the things in life. You want to find someone that has trust in you.“
- The Spurs paved the way for Victor Wembanyama‘s success with their history of investing in their players and their track record of international player development, Michael C. Wright of ESPN writes. “The organization has proven over and over they’re willing and they’re doing the right things,” Wembanyama said. “The most important thing is trust and also communication. It’s a balance and the will [between both parties] to keep that balance over the years. This is what’s going to pay off.”
- Zach Edey‘s offensive numbers are down and it’s because the Grizzlies are hoping to expand his game beyond being a traditional back-to-the-basket guy, Damichael Cole of Memphis’s Commercial Appeal writes. “Everybody’s got a different role to do,” Edey said. “My role has changed through the year. Just trying to buy into that role. Buy into being an elite rebounder, buying into being an elite rim protector, buying into being a spacer and cutter more than I’ve ever been used to. If it helps the team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Edey has made good progress. He does need to be a rim protector and rebounder first. Must improve his FT shooting too. He’s come a long ways in a short time. He’s a solid piece to have. That is still improving. I thought he went a little high in draft. He’s been an excellent pick. He’s a rotation piece as a rookie……. a true big.
I tip my cap to the hard work Zach Edey has put in this very short amount of time. He worked his butt off this summer and you could see with the change in his game in camp at the beginning of the year. Excellent job by the Young Big man.
This of course is coming from his biggest detractor. But I will absolutely give a guy his props when something like this happens.
He even said no to the Canadian national Olympic team so he could work on his professional game over the summer. To me that’s huge.
Forsake personal experience and a lifetime goal for many and dedicate yourself to the team that drafted you and put their faith in you. I love that !!
Pelicans just need to cut bait and trade Zion and rebuild..
Over 50% of possible games he’s missed… The Embiid story didn’t get that much better and the team is in the West…
All the Pelicans need to do is trade D Murray for a starting C
Vucevic and Duarte for D Murray?
Pelicans waive a player and sign Fultz