The New Orleans Pelicans are really hoping that 2023-24 is the season when the stars align and the team is fully and truly healthy.
For the last few years, they’ve had bad luck with physical impairments and ailments, especially for Zion Williamson, their star player.
Calling Williamson “the big if” on ESPN, Marc J. Spears said that Williamson has the chance to shift power in the West this season and bring his team to the top of the standings.
But he reminded viewers again that “health is the big issue.”
No one is going to argue with Spears’ assessment.
Williamson is still a premiere talent and there is no doubt about that: last season he averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
But, again, his season was cut short by an injury and he only participated in 29 games.
The questions hanging over Williamson are large and most fans just aren’t convinced that the star player can remain healthy and in good shape for an entire season.
If he can, the Pelicans can again climb to the top of the West.
But, like Spears said, that’s a “big if.”
The panel on ESPN watched a clip of Williamson admitting that his fellow teammates told him he needed to play harder.
This concerned Richard Jefferson, who questioned Williamson’s commitment to the team and his ability to lead.
In the new season ahead, Williamson will need to prove a lot.
He will have to show that he is taking care of himself and able to stay physically strong.
But he will also have to assure fans and players that he can be the centerpiece of the team and a natural leader who can win and wants to as well.
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