After a strong stretch of consistent availability following his return from a hamstring strain, Zion Williamson has landed back on the injury report. He's now missed three straight games due to a lower back bruise after he sat out against the Philadelphia 76ers. While his absences are likely more a reflection of the New Orleans Pelicans' current place in the standings and their aspirations to land as high a pick as possible for the 2025 NBA Draft than an indication of an actual injury, it's hard to blame fans for worrying about Zion.
Last year, New Orleans got a career-high 70 regular-season appearances from Williamson. He then cut a significant amount of weight over the offseason, giving fans hope that his injury-prone days were behind him. He managed to stay in excellent playing shape throughout this campaign, but, unfortunately, his newfound conditioning hasn't translated into better durability.
The Pelicans won't be able to avoid these injury concerns so long as Zion Williamson remains their cornerstone. In this lost season, it seems that they seriously considered parting ways with him for that very reason, going so far as to make him publicly available ahead of the trade deadline. Ultimately, New Orleans elected to hold onto Big Z, at least for the time being. That said, they'll have to make a real definitive decision regarding his future sooner rather than later.
The New Orleans Pelicans need to pick a concrete direction with Zion Williamson this offseason
This summer will mark a transformative offseason for the New Orleans Pelicans. More likely than not, they'll land a high draft pick that could change the fortunes of their franchise. Whether they spend it on a game-changing prospect like Cooper Flagg or fellow Duke Blue Devil Khaman Maluach or use the selection as trade bait to land an established talent, their lost season this year will probably culminate in an asset that could significantly impact their future — unless they encounter some extremely poor lottery luck and fall out of the top five.
But it's not just about the draft this summer. Once the offseason begins, the trade market will reopen, giving the Pelicans another opportunity to evaluate their current roster and decide who they want to build around moving forward. They have several high-profile veterans that could be valuable trade pieces, such as CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson himself.
The Pelicans may have chosen to keep Zion through this past trade deadline, but that doesn't mean his future in New Orleans is secure. If New Orleans draws the number-one pick and, subsequently, Cooper Flagg, it could behoove them to pivot directions and rebuild around Flagg, Trey Murphy III, and whatever assets they get back for Zion Williamson.
If they're going to trade him, though, this offseason has to be the time. It could be before or after the draft, but they have to make a definitive choice regarding his future before they make their selection. It'd be counterproductive for them to make their draft pick with Zion in mind only to trade him shortly after.
I've outlined how Williamson's trade value is as fickle as his health. The next time he incurs a serious injury might mark the end of his status as a valuable trade asset for the rest of his career. New Orleans has a bright future ahead, whether they build around Zion and the rest of their current core or choose to cut bait with Williamson. But to maximize their opportunities and ensure that they make the best choices moving forward, they can't be lukewarm with Big Z's future. This summer, they either have to go all-in on Zion or pull the plug, lest they shoot themselves in the foot and set back their franchise years.