ZionWilliamson

Preseason question: Zion is just 26 years old, yet his time as a franchise player has already expired. There’s simply too much baggage: too many injuries, too much risk, too many seasons lost waiting for a stardom that never quite materialized. Williamson is an undeniable force on the floor yet can’t be relied on. Where does that leave him? Floating around possessions, mostly, a talent in search of a role. The Pelicans have tried to move on, running their offense through other, more available players. But Zion never quite developed the skill set to play a supporting part because, frankly, he never had to. Now those very supporting skills may determine his future in the league. Clearly he can score—and at an incredibly high level. But can he lean into his playmaking to become a top-notch facilitator? Could he channel his mobility to be a more engaged defender? Will he ever be a factor on the glass? Williamson still has a lot to offer, but it all starts with repurposing the best, most explosive parts of his game to different ends.