So as most have probably heard by now, Pelican’s rookie Zion Williamson, is out for the next six to eight weeks with a knee injury. So what exactly does that mean for the Pelicans? More specifically, what does that mean for all Pelicans fans, especially the ones that they garnered in July?
The Possibilities
First and foremost, for all Pelicans fans and others, a reminder that Vegas has set the over/under for total wins this season at 39.5. Given that Zion is going to miss AT LEAST the first 26 games of his first career NBA season, it’s safe to say that the Pelicans will not capture nearly as many victories in these foreboding games as they can fully achieve, especially with games against the Warriors, Rockets, and Nuggets this month alone. As a result, any smart gambler will take the under on this, as Zion’s absence will not go unnoticed.
Along with that, fans will have to watch a brand new Pelicans team mesh together without their primary source. However, this isn’t to undermine Jrue Holiday, who’s coming off of an average of 21.2 PPG season, and the brother-like chemistry of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. All three of these players are going to add an element to the team in their own right, yet it will be a very difficult transition once Zion comes back from injury, as it is clear that he is the future of the franchise and they are looking to build around him.
Another issue is thrown into contention: Will Zion being able to make up for lost time to win the Rookie of the Year Award? The Pelicans have only had one Rookie of the Year in the entirety of their franchise’s history, that being Chris Paul in 2006 back when they were still the Hornets. Paul’s accomplishment proves to be the highest individual accolade that any Pelicans player ever. Therefore Zion essentially being a shoe-in prior to the injury helped with morale around the future franchise.
Now, he is questionable at best to win the award; will him missing 26 games hurt his chances? Most likely so, as the last draft class is one of the most talented in years, especially given the recent trajectory of Ja Morant and RJ Barrett.
What Does all of this Mean?
These issues raises a question amongst the Pelicans’ administration; do they use a healthy Zion a third of the way through the season? Or, do they find a way to sit him for the season and test his chances as ROTY in 2020-2021 (a la Ben Simmons)?
All in all, it’s an unfortunate situation for Pelicans fans, as they will have to wait just a little bit longer for consistent circus dunks and a relationship between Zion and Lonzo that will be basketball’s closest thing to Lady and the Tramp. Yet there is still hope for New Orleans, as Zion Williamson’s injury is merely a minor setback to an optimistic rebuild.
