In a league now fixated on rising No. 1 picks like Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg, it’s easy to lose sight of the once-overwhelming hype surrounding Zion Williamson. After another season that ended short of the playoffs, the New Orleans Pelicans star isn’t just trying to stay on the court- he’s trying to reestablish himself in the league’s bigger picture.
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At his exit press conference, the former Duke Blue Devils standout didn’t hide his frustration. Williamson has yet to log a single minute of postseason basketball, a reality that clearly weighs on him.
“For me individually, it’s going to be a different summer of how I’m going to approach it. And it’s already started, you know with my health. But basketball-wise, I’m looking to take a different approach because it’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs. And I take my responsibility in that. I definitely hold myself accountable,” said the Pelicans cornerstone.
Zion Williamson has been in the NBA for 7 SEASONS and has not played a single playoff game 😭 "I want to experience the playoffs...It's frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs. And I take my responsibility in that"
To his credit, Williamson quietly put together one of the most stable stretches of his career, appearing in 35 consecutive games. Still, availability alone isn’t enough. Seven years in, playing 62 games doesn’t meet the standard he’s set for himself- or the expectations that once defined him.
As a result, he’s approaching this offseason with a renewed sense of responsibility. He’s already begun reshaping his routine, determined to pair his improved health with a sharper, more intentional approach to the game.
But why is this season different? It seems the realisation is finally hitting the Pelicans star. The franchise’s success, no matter how well the team is designed, depends on his performances. This year, it was 21 points while shooting 60% from the field. It was good, but not ideal, as said by Williamson himself.
They fall short of the All-Star dominance he showed in healthier seasons. In his 2020-21 and 2022-23 campaigns, for example, Williamson averaged 27.0 and 26.0 points per game, respectively, while shooting over 60%, often dominating as the focal point of the offense with higher volume, more rebounding (7+ per game), and stronger playmaking (4+ assists).
This season’s output, paired with career-low rebounds (5.7) and assists (3.2) in 29.7 minutes, is a notable dip in production, though efficient and lacks the explosive two-way impact needed to elevate a struggling roster.
Compounding the issue has been the prolonged absences of key supporting pieces. Dejounte Murray, acquired to provide veteran playmaking, ball-handling, and secondary scoring as a starting guard, missed nearly the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a ruptured Achilles; his absence robbed the Pelicans of perimeter creation and defensive versatility in the backcourt.
Herbert Jones, one of the league’s premier two-way wings known for elite perimeter defense, disruptive on-ball pressure, and timely shooting, was limited by a calf strain and other ailments, weakening the team’s ability to guard opposing wings and protect the rim.
Jordan Poole, brought in for his scoring punch and spacing as a microwave scorer off the bench or in the starting five, dealt with a nagging quad injury that sidelined him for significant stretches early in the year; without his shot creation and floor spacing, opposing defenses could pack the paint more aggressively against Zion.
These injuries left New Orleans shorthanded in critical areas- playmaking, wing defense, and outside shooting- turning close games into uphill battles and preventing the team from building consistent chemistry.
The last time Zion Williamson played 70 games, the Pelicans won 49 that year. It’s the only time they made the postseason in Williamson’s tenure. That’s the reason he wants to be intentional with his work in the offseason. Aside from continuing to progress in conditioning, Williamson also wants to extract knowledge from the Pelicans’ Joe Dumars and other legends who won the championship.
It took some time, but Zion Williamson is owning up to his disposition as the Pelicans’ shooting star. And he’s proven his worth this season.
The Pelicans’ health problems didn’t relate to Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson is fully committed to the Pelicans’ project. He considers it home. That’s part of the reason he’s literally playing his way to earn his contract. This year, the 62 games unlocked an additional 20% of his salary for the next season. Most could have seen it as disrespect. But Williamson is actively taking part in working with the franchise to attain his best future.
This year, he did so in limited proximity. However, the Pelicans were mostly hit by injuries to other stars. Dejounte Murray, a two-way specialist, only appeared in 14 games after returning from an ACL tear. Herbert Jones, a 3&D wing, played 56 games and went through a shooting slump. Jordan Poole only played 39 games.
At this moment, the Pelicans don’t have a Zion Williamson problem. They just need continuity. Dumars’ additions of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen go a long way to meet those expectations. Each of them played in 82 and 81 games, respectively, and have shown immense promise. Furthermore, Trey Murphy is a sought-after asset with potential to be a major contributor next season.
The Pelicans as a group are extremely talented. It’s subject to Zion Williamson being powerful and explosive as he was during his days with Duke. But even aside from him, they have a mix of dynamic players who could assist in their ascent. A prolific shot-blocker could genuinely see them turn a corner. Yves Missi could be that missing piece in the making.
They can still manage a successful season with the present cast. What could the Pelicans be if Murray, Williamson, and Murphy get to play 60 games together? Their bench is also deep, complemented by players such as Jordan Poole and Fears. The only threat to their combination is the summer.
Teams are after talented wings, and the Pelicans probably have the top-end of those players. Not everyone is as devoted to the team as Williamson. Or at least they haven’t professed it. But if the Pelicans can keep everything as is with a few tweaks from Dumars, they could see some real progress. Health will always be the determining factor. But Zion Williamson’s bold promise could be the start of something special.
Do you think Williamson will live up to his words? Let us know your views in the comments below.
