The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for what could be a transformative season, with Zion Williamson potentially stepping into the role of the starting center on opening night. Standing at 6-foot-6, Williamson might not fit the traditional mold of an NBA center, particularly due to his limited rebounding and rim protection skills. However, his athletic prowess and versatility cannot be ignored.
Traditionally listed as a power forward, Williamson has largely functioned more as a wing. This season, however, might showcase his ability to impact the game from the center position. The 2023-24 season marked a turning point for the young star, who demonstrated significant improvement by appearing in a career-high 70 regular-season games.
Williamson's Evolution
Williamson's development has been a focal point for the Pelicans. In the best shape of his career, according to James Herbert, Williamson showed that he could handle heavy minutes while carrying a heavy playmaking load and competing defensively like never before. This transformation came despite a challenging end to the season, where he strained his hamstring while executing a crucial floater over Anthony Davis during a high-stakes play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
This evolution of Williamson’s game is pivotal, given his potential role as the starting center. "The shot gave him 40 points; on one of the biggest stages of his career, he had come through with one of his finest games, leading a fourth-quarter comeback that would fall short after he checked out," Herbert recounts. Such moments underline Williamson’s ability to rise to big occasions, even if the outcomes don’t always sway in his favor.
Shifting Landscapes in the NBA
Elsewhere in the league, Paul George made headlines by moving to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency after five years with the Los Angeles Clippers. "And so, five years after returning home to Los Angeles, George packed his bags and signed with Philadelphia in free agency," explains Jack Maloney. This move could signal a significant reshuffle in the Eastern Conference, with George bringing his veteran presence to a 76ers team hungry for success.
Donovan Mitchell also enjoyed a remarkable season, achieving career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, proving his defensive prowess and versatility on the court. Kawhi Leonard, another major star, remained a cornerstone of his team’s performance, playing in 68 games last season despite concerns about his health.
Playoff Heroes and New Roles
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics hit pivotal shots in critical moments during a memorable playoff run. "He stamped his status with a spectacular playoff run, in which he hit the two biggest shots: the game-tying 3-pointer in the waning seconds of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and the game-sealing jumper in Game 3 of the Finals," Maloney states. Brown's clutch performances were instrumental in the Celtics clinching their league-leading 18th championship.
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns assumed the role of a point guard for a team glaringly lacking in that department. “Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league and among the most efficient,” praises Jasmyn Wimbish. His contributions as a playmaker added another dimension to his already formidable offensive game.
Rising Stars and Veterans
Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves led his team to the Western Conference finals and played a pivotal role in Team USA's gold medal victory over the summer. His performance has solidified his status as one of the league's emerging stars. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant's consistent excellence shone through as he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting, appearing in 75 games, his highest since leaving Golden State.
In a testament to his enduring talent, LeBron James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in any competition featuring active NBA players during the 2024 Olympics. Editor Sam Quinn encapsulates James’ impact: "Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James."
Legacy and Future Prospects
The Boston Celtics’ recent success owes much to Jayson Tatum, who has made the All-NBA First Team for three consecutive seasons. Tatum passed Kobe Bryant for the most playoff points before turning 27 and led his team in points, rebounds, and assists during their championship run.
These narratives highlight an NBA season teeming with change, where emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike have redefined expectations and roles. As Zion Williamson and the Pelicans brace for a potentially transformative season, fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch how these stories develop.