New Orleans Pelicans: How the real Zion Williamson will emerge in 2021

This upcoming season could see the New Orleans Pelicans unleash the superstar version of Zion Williamson

We can all admit it, last season we never got to see the authentic Zion Williamson play in a New Orleans Pelicans jersey. That’s not say what did see from the organization’s newest franchise player wasn’t fantastic. Averging 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assist per game as a rookie is no small feat, even if it was only a 24 game sample size.

We can really chalk it up to just how crazy things have been in the past year. The heticness just made it so Williamson’s rookie season never really got off the ground. First, it was torn meniscus in his right leg. Then there was the load management and rust that came from Zion working back from that injury. And who would’ve guessed that after all of that, a pandemic would hit.

The progress Williamson was making was instantly stalled due to the entire nation entering lockdown. Upon the season resuming in late July, our beloved Zion was once again dealt a bad hand. Forced to leave the bubble for family matters, the young star returned rusty and out of condition.

Enough of last year though, training camps are only a few days away, and according to all accounts, we’re about to see the what Zion Williamson can do at full-strentgth. Everyone brace yourself!

How Zion Williamson can become a dominant force in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans next season

The hype of around this season for Zion Williamson is already growing. During pre-camp press conferences, both David Griffin and the newly hired Stan Van Gundy were quick to say what their young star might be capable of in 2021.

Griffin was the first one to make these comments, saying this about his young star yesterday:

"“Once he gets to the point where he’s healthy enough to play his game, play with the ball more, play more as a slasher and less as a post-up presence, I think you’re going to see the real Zion come to the floor” – Pelicans VP, David Griffin via ESPN.com"

He followed up those comments with a more in depth look at how Zion Williamson will fit on the team’s reshaped roster, with the young forward even seeing some minutes at the three next season. Getting even bolder, Griffin said Williamson might even be used a ball-handler during this upcoming season.

As Griffin’s comments made Pelicans fans excited enough, Stan Van Gundy followed up that message by sending a warning out to rest of the NBA:

"“When we made that trade, I knew for sure that you may be able to come in here and outshoot us, and you may find a way to beat us, but you are not  punking the New Orleans Pelicans – ever – with those two guys next to each other.” – Pelicans Heac Coach, Stan Van Gundy via NOLA.com"

If you’re a New Orleans Pelicans fan, you should love these comments because it means the organization is ready to experiment with healthy Zion, and even play some throwback basketball too. For people that have followed the young Williamson’s ascension to the NBA, you’ll know that is exactly what Mike Krzyzewski did at Duke when he coached the unique star for a season.

I think most importantly, this is indication that this Pelicans team is capable of winning at high level now. I wouldn’t count out the idea that Zion Williamson has a second leap that’s comparable to the one Luka Doncic just had, and if that’s the case then this Pelicans team will offically open their championship window for years to come.