The New Orleans Pelicans just had a season they’d like to forget forever.
They are definitely ready to move on, but what does that look like?
Speaking on “Run It Back,” Antonio Daniels said Pelicans fans should expect to see more of Zion Williamson.
According to Daniels, there is a reason Williamson recently appeared at the NBA draft lottery.
“There’s a reason that they sent Zion [Williamson] to the draft lottery to represent the New Orleans Pelicans. They’re trying to turn the page now and move forward with this young man being the face of the organization and the face of the franchise,” Daniels said, via ClutchPoints.
“There’s a reason that they sent Zion to the draft lottery to represent the New Orleans Pelicans. They’re trying to turn the page now and move forward with this young man being the face of the organization.”
—Antonio Daniels
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/wjz48yiJwv
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 3, 2025
It was another season of disappointment for Williamson.
He was only able to participate in 30 games, although he averaged a robust 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists during that time.
In the season before, he was able to perform in 70 games, but bad luck with injuries flared up again this time, and it has many people asking questions.
Fans thought this may have marked the end of Williamson’s time with the Pelicans, but then he represented the team at the recent draft lottery.
That was no accident, according to Daniels.
Instead, it was a sign that the Pelicans are still firmly planted in the Williamson business and want him around for a long time.
However, that doesn’t mean New Orleans won’t make changes.
In fact, there is a good chance they shake things up this summer, although it sounds like they want to build around Williamson, not cut him loose.
What’s next for the Pelicans?
It’s a question that has been asked so many times recently, and this statement from Daniels might provide some clarity.
