Zion Williamson Admits Frustration Over Pelicans’ Playoff Miss

Williamson addressed his frustration about not having experienced playoff basketball on Monday, during the team's exit interview.

“I do want to experience the playoffs,” Williamson said. “I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience. 

“Using my resources to reach out to other Hall of Famers, reach out to other championship players, reach out to greats and see what their journey was like. Because I would like to play in the playoffs. 

“It's frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs,” he continued. “And I take my responsibility in that. I’ve definitely held myself accountable.”

Williamson appeared in 62 games this season, the second-most games played in his career. The NBA star tried his best to be available for the Pelicans, and he finished the campaign averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 60.0% shooting.

The Pelicans tried to reach the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference to qualify for the play-in tournament when veteran guard Dejounte Murray returned in February. However, they came up short and finished in 11th spot.

It's a good sign for the Pelicans to have Williamson play at least 60 games. The last time he reached that mark was in the 2023-24 season, when he appeared in 70 games. But even though he played the most games of his career that season, the injury bug got to him before the start of the first-round of the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Williamson suffered a hamstring injury, and he remained optimistic that he would return to the lineup during the postseason. However, it never occurred, as the Thunder easily defeated the Pelicans, sweeping them in the opening round.