Zion Williamson's message for the NBA should put everyone on notice

Zion Williamson has struggled for availability throughout his young career. The former Duke standout missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a fracture in his right foot and also has two seasons with less than 30 games played. However, he showcased some improved durability during the 2023-24 season, playing in 70 regular-season games.

Unfortunately for Williamson, his season ended at the worst possible time. After dropping 40 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in a play-in tournament contest, he felt a tweak in his hamstring. That tweak ended his night and kept him out of the opening playoff round against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The New Orleans Pelicans were swept 4-0 without their talisman on the court.

Now, with another full offseason behind him, Williamson will enter the upcoming NBA season with a renewed focus. He wants to help lead the Pelicans toward success and prove that he's one of the premier talents in the NBA. 

“How can I say this the right way?” Williamson said during an interview with The Athletic's William Guillory. “I’m out for straight vengeance. Not against any particular person. Just for myself.”

Williamson has all the tools to be an elite player in the NBA. He's mind-bogglingly strong and breathtakingly explosive. Last season, he showcased a budding ability as a playmaker, making him a potential point forward of the future. He ended the season with averages of 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 59.2% from the field. 

New Orleans will enter the new season with questions surrounding its center rotation. It lost veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas during the summer and has failed to replace him. Nevertheless, it still has considerable top-end talent with Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram forming a dangerous trio. 

During his interview with Guillory, Williamson admitted that he's trying to build strong foundations with his co-stars while also learning from their games and how they approach the season.

“(I want to) learn from (Brandon Ingram). Learn from CJ (McCollum). Learn from guys who have been in the league longer than me. Paying attention to their professionalism,” Williamson said. “Not even being a good teammate, just being a good brother. So when you get on the court, your teammates believe in you. They trust your work, and they trust that you’ve got them.”

New Orleans has been patient in building around Williamson. However, now that he's proven he can sustain a full NBA season and produce at an All-Star level, it will likely want him to start helping the team contend at the highest level. 

Regardless of what happens with Ingram this season, New Orleans will be a problem in the Western Conference. If Williamson takes another developmental jump, it could emerge as a genuine contender for a deep playoff run.