MY ACCOUNT
Zion Williamson says he is committed to the New Orleans Pelicans, who were rejuvenated in the 2021-22 season he spent on the sideline.
Former first overall pick Williamson did not play a single game this season as the Pelicans reached the playoffs through the play-in tournament and then took the Phoenix Suns to six games.
The optimism around the team would increase further with the forward’s return next year after playing just 85 games through three years.
When he has been on the court, Williamson has averaged 25.7 points on 60.4 per cent shooting, scoring 20 or more points in each of his 15 most recent outings – all of which came way back in 2020-21.
The former Duke sensation’s dedication to the Pelicans has been questioned at times, but he appeared enthused discussing the future on Friday following their playoff elimination.
“It sucks watching from the sideline, because I just want to be out there,” Williamson said. “But you’re seeing the potential. We’ve got a lot of great pieces.
“The locker room [had] a different feel this year. A lot of that goes to BI’s [Brandon Ingram’s] leadership, the young guys buying in to coach [Willie] Green so fast.
“You saw it on the court. Man, we have a special group, I truly believe that.”
Williamson is eligible for a five-year, $181million max rookie extension ahead of the 2022-23 season, and he is not planning to think twice if that offer comes from the Pelicans.
“Of course, I couldn’t sign it fast enough,” he said.
