When talking about the New Orleans Pelicans franchise player, Zion Williamson, the common discussion is that he is one of the league's best players when he plays, but he's always injured. This is one of the main reasons so many experts are out on the Pelicans next season. Part of the reason is that people feel they didn't improve their roster enough, but the main reason is people just don't trust Zion to be healthy.
However, one NBA analyst feels this could finally be the year Zion is healthy and that the Pelicans will smash the over on their win total of 30.5 games.
On a recent episode of the ALL NBA Podcast hosted by Adam Mares and Tim Legler, Legler went up to bat for the Pelicans, expressing that he liked a lot of their young talent and felt they were in a good spot to beat their projected win total of 30 games. He called Williamson the "key" and a "difference maker", explaining that he felt if Zion can play around 65 games, they will be a good team in the west.
Legler acknowledged that expecting 65 or more games from Williamson may be wishful thinking, but he also explained that he was ready to give him the benefit of the doubt. Having people like Marc Spears, Kendrick Perkins, and now Tim Legler all step up to bat for Zion heading into next season shows that he may finally be ready to silence his haters.
I'm personally a believer
I understand many fans aren't optimistic about Williamson remaining healthy, as it feels like almost every offseason, it's hyped up that he's coming back better than ever. However, something about this summer feels different.
He now finally has a GM who not only believes in him but is holding him accountable, in Joe Dumars. We are hearing real reports from credible sources that people are impressed with him, and he isn't posting photos of himself in great shape on social media, meaning he is just so locked in on getting better.
This season really could be a last chance for him to be the franchise guy for the Pelicans, and I think Williamson has realized that. Dumars did a solid job addressing needs and bringing in talent this offseason, but the key still is Zion. The Pelicans can't afford to continue to wait around and build a roster around their star player just for him not to be healthy.
This summer has definitely been one filled with accountability and recognition for the Pelicans franchise player. And I do think that we are finally about to get a healthy Zion year, because of the way he and the Pelicans have went about this offseason