Zion Gives Pelicans An Optimistic Future

New Orleans Pelicans fans should feel optimistic for the upcoming season.

New Orleans, LA - With the NBA season a month away from its start, the New Orleans Pelicans are among 30 teams brimming with optimism for the upcoming year. Despite that, only one team can hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy as NBA champions at season's end. One NBA expert predicted what each team can look forward to for the 2023-2024 NBA year.

Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey believes the Pelicans' optimism should stem from a healthy Zion Williamson this season.

As is the case with the Brooklyn Nets and Ben Simmons, some fans may look at Zion Williamson and all his injuries as a reason for pessimism, but that's no fun. Instead, focus on just how good the New Orleans Pelicans have been when he plays and the fact that Joel Embiid eventually overcame his own injury woes.

If Williamson is headed for a similar career trajectory, the Pelicans might be title contenders as early as next season. In 2022-23, with his unparalleled ability to explode through the lane and finish above the rim, New Orleans had a point differential around that of a 59-win team when he played. Right now, the 23-year-old trails only Embiid, Michael Jordan, and Luka Dončić in career points per 75 possessions, and the amount of defensive attention his scoring demands makes life easier for everyone sharing the floor with him.

Zion may be the head of the snake, but the trio of him, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram are amongst the NBA's best. Even in a small sample size, the Pelicans 'Big 3' have outscored opponents by 20 points per 100 possessions. Injuries have derailed sustained success as the trio have played less than 11 games together. 

With a new year approaching, fans hope to replicate how the Pelicans started last season. Before Zion's injury in January, New Orleans held a 23-14 record, good enough for second place in the Western Conference. A healthy Zion Williamson will have fans optimistic the team can compete in a talented Western Conference.