After snapping a four-year playoff drought in the 2021-22 season, the New Orleans Pelicans took a step back this past year, getting bounced in the Play-In Tournament.
Zion Williamson’s inability to stay on the court has seriously hurt New Orleans’ ceiling. And while the rest of their roster is solid, anytime a team is missing an All-NBA caliber star, they aren’t going to reach their potential.
Now, the Pelicans may have to plan for two different timelines – one where Williamson is healthy and able to help them compete and one where they shift into a rebuild with long-term plans in mind.