The New Orleans Pelicans will be good with or without Zion Williamson

MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 17: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans huddles with the team during a timeout against the Miami Heat in the first half at FTX Arena on November 17, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

After starting the season 1-12, the New Orleans Pelicans are now going to be playing in the Play-In Tournament. Nobody is going to want to admit it, but the Pelicans have been a pretty good basketball team recently.

Even with the whole Zion Williamson drama, the Pelicans have had a winning record since the 1-12 start. Led by Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans have some legit talent. But with Zion’s future in question, what will be next for the Pelicans?

The New Orleans Pelicans will be good with or without Zion Williamson

It is unclear if Zion has played his last game with the Pelicans already, but even if he did, I am still going to believe in the Pelicans for next season. The Pelicans’ starting five includes McCollum, Herbert Jones, Ingram, Jaxson Hayes, and Jonas Valanciunas. The lineup has a very good mix of young guns and veterans.

So, if that lineup were able to get Zion back, the Pelicans will have three All-Star caliber players on their roster. With Zion, I think the Pelicans can be one of the better teams in the West and will be a playoff team. Plus, the Pelicans have most of their important players under contract, so they do not need to worry about anyone leaving in free agency.

However, what the Pelicans do need to worry about is keeping Zion for the long haul. There have been rumors around the league that Zion wants out of New Orleans, and it’s been like that since he was drafted. I can go on and on about this situation, but just know that he could want out.

Yes, it would be bad for the Pelicans if they have to trade Williamson, but they would get a lot of value for him. Just last season, Zion averaged 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Also, that was just in Zion’s second season in the NBA. The youngster is going to be good for a long time, so if the Pelicans have to trade him, they are going to get a haul in return.

Williamson most likely controls the outcome of New Orleans’ future, depending on what ends up happening with him. If he stays, New Orleans can have a mini big three with Zion, Ingram, and McCollum. If he forces his way out of New Orleans, the Pelicans could get a load of draft picks or another star to add to the roster.

No matter what happens with Williamson, the Pelicans can benefit from either decision. The real question would be, can the Pelicans capitalize on this opportunity? We know what happened during Anthony Davis’s time in New Orleans. One could even argue that last season with Zion playing like a superstar was a disappointment. So the real question is, do the Pelicans have the right pieces to make some noise next season, and in turn, avoid another Davis situation?

I think the Pelicans have done enough to end up as a playoff team next year, avoiding the Play-In Tournament as a whole. I am a believer in the Pelicans next season, and I hope Zion does stay because the Pelicans will be must-watch TV.