The 2024-25 NBA season has been a difficult one for the New Orleans Pelicans, and injuries have been the primary culprit. With Zion Williamson finally playing some of the best basketball of his career down the stretch, there’s a sense of hope in New Orleans — but it’s been an uphill battle all year long.
Williamson, who has dealt with persistent injuries throughout his young career, is finishing the season strong. He’s shouldering the load for the Pelicans and showing flashes of the generational talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick. But perhaps just as notable is his willingness to give props to others in the league. Recently, he took time to praise another former top pick, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham.
“I don’t think people are giving him his full respect,” Williamson told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “In my opinion, he’s an All-NBA player this year. He’s been doing his thing, but from watching Cade from afar and my few interactions with him, he’s somebody that’s gonna let his work speak for him.”
Cunningham has helped lead a turnaround in Detroit, pushing the Pistons into playoff contention after years of frustration. It’s the kind of turnaround the Pelicans hope to replicate — and Williamson will be the centerpiece if they do.
As things stand, the Pelicans are 21-54 and sit 14th in the Western Conference. Their season has been derailed by a series of devastating injuries. Williamson missed time, as did Dejounte Murray, who suffered a torn Achilles after returning from a hand injury. Key starters Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III also spent significant time on the shelf, and Brandon Ingram — who was traded to Toronto — battled injuries before the move. That’s essentially the team’s core rotation gone for large chunks of the year.
The focus now shifts to 2025-26. If Zion Williamson can stay healthy and the team’s young core can stay on the floor, there’s reason for optimism. The Pelicans have the talent, but they need continuity and a bit of luck on the health front.
For now, all New Orleans can do is make it to the end of the season without further damage. But if Zion’s recent play is any indication, the franchise may have its foundation — they just need the rest of the pieces to stay upright around him.
