Players I’m Rooting For: Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is entering his eighth NBA season with 6,581 career points and no playoff appearances. But Zion still has game. Last season was a pretty good bounce-back: 62 games and 21 points per game.

In my eyes, Zion is a championship role player. He is not a marquee player, but he is absolutely a difference maker in a real organization. I want to see him surrounded by veterans.

He has been stuck in a strange position in New Orleans: too good to trade, but not good enough to be a franchise player. He is a super-secondary guy. If you’re a hockey fan, think Taylor Hall.

Zion is still feared in the paint, but it’s incredible, in a bad way, that he averaged only 2.0 offensive rebounds per game last season. There’s some LeBron in him: he has the size, but he doesn’t bang. LeBron can do other things, though. Zion is a one-trick pony.

A good start is imperative. It shouldn’t matter who coaches him, who his teammates are or whether New Orleans is contending. I just want to see him suit up and play 35 minutes a night.

Zion has two seasons left on his Pelicans contract, through 2027–28. I’m convinced his next long-term deal will be elsewhere.

I believe he has a great second act ahead of him. This year should be an audition for a contending team that will want to sign him long term (yes, you read that correctly, long term).

The Spurs should knock on the Pelicans’ door. So should the Thunder.

Adam Silver helps his favorite players out all the time, but has turned the other cheek when it comes to Zion. The forgotten.

Here’s to hoping he stays healthy.

Zion at media day