Zion Williamson’s Return

Darren Abate/Associated Press

After a battle with the injury bug, Zion Williamson is suited up again for the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson's preseason play has been impressive, and the combination of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram could see the formation of a new "Big Three" in Nola.

Throughout the preseason, Williamson has shown that his explosive first step is still there. Drive and kick plays have displayed his body control, ability to finish through contact, and his passing abilities. Shooters such as Ingram, McCollum, and Alvarado will benefit from the open looks all season, forcing teams to pick their poison.

Versus the Chicago Bulls, Williamson recorded 13 points and four rebounds in only 15 minutes of play. In his most recent game versus the Detroit Pistons, he put up 13 points again with multiple layups made through heavy traffic. Williamson did not shy away from attacking the paint regardless of who was defending.

I expect Williamson to average around 25-29 points per game (PPG), which can lead to the Pelicans possibly having three players averaging 20-plus PPG this season. Williamson averaged 27 PPG in the 2020-21 season in 61 games played and 22.5 PPG in his first season while only playing 24 games.

The Pelicans have a serious chance at a deep playoff push if Williamson can remain healthy throughout the season. The franchise has done a great job bouncing back from the loss of their former franchise player and providing BI and Williamson with a strong supporting cast.

The new addition of McCollum will ease the scoring load and allow Zion to play a stronger, rim-running style of offense. The Pelicans have surrounded their 2019 first-overall selection with various shooters on and off the bench.

The Pelicans' playoff window closed after Anthony Davis's departure, but with a newly assembled roster, the window could be opening again soon.