A new ERA in NOLA is on the rise.
When the New Orlean Pelicans selected Zion Williamson three years ago with the number one pick in the NBA Draft. They knew that they were getting a franchise player for the ages. With three seasons down the drain, Williamson has missed more games than he has played during his NBA career.
Zion has only played in 85 games since being drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans, and he has now missed 117 games with various injuries. Three years down, with only one year remaining on his rookie contract. If the South Carolina Native can make an All-NBA team next season, the Pelicans could offer him a 5-year, $223M contract extension.
Zion on if he will sign an extension
“Of course. I couldn’t sign it fast
enough.”
With their franchise player locked in. At the NBA trade deadline, the Pelicans would go on to acquire CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell from the Trail Blazers. In return, the Trail Blazers received Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
McCollum and Nace Jr have fit right in with the Pelicans. CJ McCollum has averaged 24.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 26 games for the Pelicans. While Larry Nance Jr has averaged 7.3 points per game for the Pelicans in his career.
Capping off the regular season 36-46 as the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum would go on to lead the Pelicans to two hard-fought victories in the NBA Play-in tournament over the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Making his first postseason run, Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans fell to the Phoenix Suns in six games (4-2) Ingram scored 27.0 points per game. While Zion Williamson feels like he could have played but ultimately the team, staff, and front office decided against it.
The Pelicans started the season 1-12 and clawed their way to a playoff berth thanks to Head Coach Willie Green, who did a great job coaching this young team up throughout the regular season and game-planning against his ex-team, the Phoenix Suns.
Looking towards the future of the Pelicans. New Orleans has found a new identity with Green bringing out the best in his young players.
Alvarado, second-round pick Herbert Jones and mid-first-rounder Trey Murphy III have all grown into their roles. The trio has proven to NBA ready and the Pelicans have a top ten pick in the 2022 draft and a 26% chance at a top four pick.
The Pelicans are $7 million under the luxury tax and have two open roster spots for next season.
Head Coach Willie Green End of the season message for the team.
“ There will be expectations (in the future),”
“We won’t sneak up on anyone. That’s good. That’s what lets you know you’re a good team, and That is what we’re striving to become.”