METAIRIE, La. — After wrapping up a second consecutive 26-56 season, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson said Monday he is determined to overhaul his offseason routine in an effort to reach the playoffs for the first time in his NBA career.
“It’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs,” the 25-year-old said at the team’s practice facility. “I’m looking to take a different approach.”
Williamson appeared in 62 games this season, the second-highest total of his seven-year career, and averaged 21.0 points. The Pelicans won 22 of those contests and still fell short of the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Durability improves, but goals unmet
The 6-foot-6 forward set a personal best with 35 consecutive games played and said he could have reached 65 if he had not been rested for the final three outings. He has now missed 280 of 556 possible regular-season games because of knee, hand, foot and soft-tissue injuries.
Williamson last topped 60 appearances in 2020-21 (61 games) and played a career-high 70 in 2023-24, when the Pelicans reached the postseason without him after he injured his left hamstring during a play-in loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Commitment to New Orleans
Despite speculation his improved availability might entice other clubs, Williamson said he does not want to be traded. “New Orleans is home for me,” he stated, adding that he has lived in the city since being drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke in 2019. He has two seasons remaining on a five-year contract worth nearly $200 million.
Veteran guard Dejounte Murray noted the strides Williamson has made. “He’s got to continue to take care of his body, his mind, and his development is crucial, too,” Murray said.
Trust in front office guidance
Williamson said he “100%” trusts executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, hired last year. He plans to consult with Dumars and other Hall of Fame and championship figures this summer.
“I want to be able to attack from multiple areas on the court and be unpredictable on offense,” Williamson explained. “I have to use the resources I can to reach out and seek the knowledge I need.”
His stated target for 2026-27: play 75 to 82 games and finally appear in the NBA postseason.
Source: ESPN
