During the 2023 offseason, the name of Zion Williamson had come back insistently in the transfer rumors. The Pelicans would never have been sellers, but just imagining a trade was already telling. Could the injuries and absences of the All-Star interior make the New Orleans franchise lose patience?
The criticism did not stop after the start of the season since, after the defeat against the Lakers in the mid-season tournament, the images of a player out of shape struck people's minds. Overweight, little involved in leadership, too often in the infirmary: the picture was dark for the first choice of the 2019 Draft…
A click after the defeat against the Lakers
But everything would have changed precisely after this meeting in December 2023. “It was an important moment for me”confides the player. “I don’t look at others, I only look at myself. I take responsibility for it: I was not at the necessary level. I wasn't good. I needed this experience and it clearly changed a lot of things during the season. »
So much so that, according to The Athletic, the Pelicans would be impressed by Zion Williamson's mental as well as physical progress. It must be said that he has never played as much as this season, with 70 matches under his belt, compared to 114 between 2019 and 2023. This is notably the fruit of work with Amy Atmore, who replaced Aaron Nelson, the former physical trainer, with whom he did not get along.
Zion Williamson would also be more present with his teammates. After being distant, he no longer hesitates to speak up and behave like a leader, even during the playoffs. Unfortunately, from the bench, since he was injured in the play-in against the Lakers – a match where he was brilliant with 40 points.
Finally the expected leader?
Furthermore, his absence during the All-Star Game allowed him to return to South Carolina for a few days, in order to recharge his batteries and come back determined and in shape. His performances in March proved that he was back to his best.
“He has made real and constant progress, with good and healthy habits,” notes CJ McCollum. “It’s tough to get hit right before the playoffs. Deep down, he knows what he needs to do to play consistently at the highest level. I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve. »
Will the fullback be able to observe this up close next season? The question arises because David Griffin, the vice-president of the Pelicans, announced the color: things must change this summer to turn a corner.
Now that he has reassured his world, Zion Williamson could establish himself (if he confirms in the long term obviously) as the face and leader of the team, the one around whom everything revolves. Therefore, it is not impossible that CJ McCollum or Brandon Ingram (who will be at the end of their contract in 2025 and is coming off a less successful season) will be transferred during this important offseason for the franchise.
David Griffin indirectly hinted at this, recalling that the trio CJ McCollum – Brandon Ingram – Zion Williamson had not won the minutes played together this season…
| Zion Williamson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | NOP | 24 | 28 | 58.3 | 42.9 | 64.0 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 22.5 |
| 2020-21 | NOP | 61 | 33 | 61.1 | 29.4 | 69.8 | 2.7 | 4.5 | 7.2 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 27.0 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 29 | 33 | 60.8 | 36.8 | 71.4 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 26.0 |
| 2023-24 | NOP | 70 | 32 | 57.0 | 33.3 | 70.2 | 1.7 | 4.1 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 22.9 |
| Total | 184 | 32 | 59.2 | 34.1 | 69.5 | 2.2 | 4.3 | 6.5 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 24.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
