A single picture during the NBA offseason sent the NBA world into a frenzy. Zion Williamson, who at one point played at 284 lbs looked shredded and in the peak shape of his life. It wasn’t just a coincidence. After playing the most games he has ever played in a season, an ailment ruined his chances of playing in the postseason. It fostered desperation within the former number 1 pick. Williamson wants to become a champion.

The basis of attaining that status comes with preparation. The Duke product has been doing two workouts a day over the past few months. Furthermore, the Pelicans have shifted their focus to making him the focal man on the squad. In doing so they took a major decision. They moved on from their previous trainer, Aaron Nelson, a man renowned for his injury prevention. He and Zion Williamson had a frayed dynamic due to disagreements. His replacement became Aaron Miles. So far, he has done something no Pelicans staff has achieved with the blood-seeking forward. He is a part of his entourage and the All-Star has regularly trained with him.

“Coach Miles is a great dude and he knows what greatness looks like. He’s been around Steph (Curry). He’s been around Klay (Thompson). He’s been around (Jayson) Tatum. He knows what it takes to be a champion,” Zion Williamson says about Miles, according to The Atletic.

Previously, Miles worked as an assistant coach to Steve Kerr and worked intricately with the Splash Brothers. It was followed by a stint with the Celtics, where he played an instrumental role in Jayson Tatum’s breakout as a star. That is exactly what he envisions for Zion Williamson too as the explosive force moves into the most critical season of his NBA career.

The New Orleans Pelicans have made several moves during the offseason to structure a competitive roster. Welcoming Dejounte Murray has provided them with a rounded balance and an upgrade in their defensive unit. With the likes of McCollum and Brandon Ingram, their ranks are stacked.

But the focus remains on Zion Williamson. If and only if Williamson stays healthy can the dark horse Pelicans see an upswing during the coming season.

The future of the Pelicans and Zion Williamson is on the line

It’s not just Williamson who is going into a pivotal season. The outlook of the New Orleans Pelicans largely depends on their 2024-25 campaign. Notably, decisions regarding keeping this roster together will need to be addressed very soon. In particular, Brandon Ingram, an unconscious scorer is in the last season of his contract.

Maintaining the current roster will require the organization to shed finances and maybe be a luxury tax team after this season. But it ultimately rides on their performance this year.

When healthy and rambunctious, Zion Williamson has proven to be a 27 points-per-game phenom that plays with immense energy. Ingram, McCollum, and Murray are all ideal complementary components that Williamson can defer to when he rams to the basket. As a defensive unit, both Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III are terrorizing on-ball defenders.

As a young side with limitless potential, the Pelicans are itching to be competitive in an intense Western Conference. The need to win isn’t immediate. However, if the Pelicans aren’t in the picture to challenge the top squads such as OKC or the Wolves, it nullifies the viability of the dashing roster that they currently possess.

Show positive signs, and Brandon Ingram can consider foregoing some money on the maximum extension he is eligible for. McCollum will get an extended stay as the seasoned soldier. However, if the contrary happens, a roster reshuffle could be in the works. So far, it’s only Williamson that the franchise “trusts” to be the beacon of a prosperous future. For that feeling to become universal, finding success this season is essential.