Zion Williamson and the Pelicans: Chapter Closing?

Zion Williamson has started the season cold so far. Having career lows of 21 points per game on 44 percent shooting, 8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. It usually takes Zion time to get in shape. But, in year six, there is no excuse for him to have to play his way into shape. In the past few games, he has been able to pick it up. Zion had a monster game against the Pacers. He scored 34 points, with 10 assists and 6 rebounds plus the win. But Zion's lower body has been an issue. Williamson is once again dealing with right hamstring soreness. A repeated problem he has been facing for the past six years. This makes NBA fans all around the world question if Zion is ever going to become a top-five player in the league. And Pelicans fans wonder if the Zion journey should come to an end.

Zion Williamson came into the league a star. As the TikTok era was taking over the young generation, that's when Zion Williamson started to pop off. People took a liking to his athleticism and good passing ability. He was a walking highlight reel and hyped up to be the next LeBron James. When the 2019 draft happened, there was no doubt Zion would be the first pick. He only played 24 games his first season, but he looked like a monster. Then, in the second season of his career, he played like a beast. Averaged 27 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was a monster. He looked like he was quick to reach his true potential. Then in 2023, he made his second All-Star appearance but got injured before he could take part in the game. And last season, Zion had a monster 40-point game against the Lakers but dealt with a hamstring injury to end the season. It has been a repeating occurrence for the young star. Which has stopped him from making the jump to stardom.

There has to be accountability that Zion has to take. Zion has not had the best diet and came into seasons overweight. But his lower body has always been a problem due to how his play style is. Last year Williamson had his healthiest season but had to play himself into shape. He did not look like the star that we were all expecting. It took him until the end of the season to look like a superstar. There was no excuse for the fifth-year player to not stay in condition. But from the off-season pictures, it was clear he prioritized his health. Zion looked in the best shape of his young career. People expected him to make his first NBA team this season. But it has started off as usual. Zion has to play himself into shape again. He was sick to start the season and missed his first game. Williamson had a good game against the Trail Blazers. He scored 16 points and played great defense. Then he had a good scoring game against the Warriors but had crazy turnovers. Then the next night he was awful against Draymond Green. After the Pacers game last Friday, Zion seemed back in shape and ready to dominate. But the Pelicans curse has hit again.

The New Orleans Pelicans have had bad luck with injuries. With Dejonte Murray and Trey Murphy III getting injured to start the season, it seems like it has continued. CJ McCollum, Jordan Hawkins, and now Zion are all injured. It's hard not to wonder if the Pelicans can compete in the playoffs. And even if they secure a spot in the playoffs, all it will be is a first-round elimination as an eighth seed. This makes fans of the organization question the Zion and Ingram era. Is this team worth keeping or should this organization look to rebuild?

Zion is an entertaining player who can dominate night in and night out, but he has not been healthy. Even when he has a healthy season, he misses playoff games, which robs fans of classic matchups. The young star never receives the opportunity to shine with brilliance. Instead, it seems as if he is always in rehab. Frustration fills New Orleans fans. Their rebuild seems to have failed. This season could determine how everything plays out. If Zion gets injured again in the post-season, New Orleans might trade its star player. This season has a lot at stake for the Pelicans franchise. We can either see Zion turn this team into a contender or watch New Orleans implode into a full on rebuild.

 Follow @SyedNBABlogs on Twitter for NBA Content!