New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson could lead the Pelicans on a surprising championship run

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/1/24

The New Orleans Pelicans sit sixth in the Western Conference. They hold the final guaranteed playoff spot. They're half a game in front of the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks.

Zion Williamson's recent performances are spearheading the charge to directly qualify for the postseason.

It's those performances that have led ESPN's Kendrick Perkins to anoint the Pelicans as the "dark horse" in the Western Conference.

"My dark horse in the West is actually the New Orleans Pelicans. When I think about what they have in the depth, and what Zion Williamson has been doing. Do you know that since the All-Star break, he ranks third for points in the paint? He makes sure he gets everyone involved...When I think about the New Orleans Pelicans, they're my sleeper to come out of the Western Conference," Perkins said.

The Pelicans are @KendrickPerkins' dark horse to come out of the West pic.twitter.com/FJ7mKXpPRu
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 1, 2024

Williamson has played 49 games for the Pelicans so far this season. It's his first healthy run with the franchise since the 2020-21 season.

He's starting to find a new level in terms of his production. In his last 10 games, he is averaging 23 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.1 blocks on 52.9 percent shooting from the field.

Furthermore, both CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram are both playing at an elite level. With all three of their stars producing, the Pelicans have an opportunity to reach the NBA Finals and prove they're an elite team in the league.

Williamson will be at the forefront of that attempt. He makes his team tick. Utilizing him as a point forward has been a master stroke. His ability to bully his way into the paint is creating difficult decisions for opposing defenses. However, despite his healthy stretch, concerns will always be over his ability to stay on the floor.

Still, if Williamson remains healthy, the Pelicans will have a shot at making a deep run in the playoffs. However, it's not going to be an easy road. The West is littered with elite teams. Yet, that was exactly the reason Williamson was drafted.

Now is the time for him to start proving himself as the star talent everyone believes he can be.

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