Pelicans forward Zion Williamson made his debut with the Pelicans five years ago Wednesday, a stint that has featured highs and lows, Christian Clark and William Guillory of The Athletic write. Specifically, Williamson’s missed 230 of a potential 434 since then, bringing 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 their star player is healthy. Williamson is taking a step forward this season, especially defensively, and he’s averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
Before any potential question regarding Williamson’s future, Clark and Guillory agree that Brandon Ingram and the coaching staff need addressing.
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. He recorded 45 points in an overtime win against the Jazz on Monday.
- Rockets center Alperen Sengun is continuing a strong career trajectory, helping lead Houston to a 29-14 record this season. The turnaround for the Rockets continues to be dramatic. After winning 42 combined games in Sengun’s first two seasons, the Rockets went 41-41 last season and are now on a 55-win pace. 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 Ime believing in me,” Sengun said about his jump. “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.