The New Orleans Pelicans are in a rough spot at the end of the season. At 26-56, it is the second consecutive year that they’ve missed the playoffs, and the fifth time overall since Zion Williamson joined the roster.
Unfortunately, reflecting back at the end of the year, the disappointment shone through for one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. Now, as he looks at a long summer ahead, the frustration is continuing to mount.
Zion Williamson Laments the Pelicans’ Failure
The first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson’s career was marred by injuries early on. In his first three seasons, he failed to play in 30 games on two separate occasions. His game-fitness has always been the biggest drawback against him.
In recent times, those numbers have started to get better. But suiting up in 60 or more games in just half of your seasons in the league is a tough bargain for any franchise. As a result, the Pelicans haven’t been able to build a consistent team around him.
This summer, they thought they had their shot, making a dramatic trade in the draft. Parting ways with their 23rd overall pick and their 2026 unprotected first-round pick, they brought in Derik Queen from the Atlanta Hawks.
Unfortunately, the experiment started off as a mess. A 2-10 start forced them to fire Willie Green and promote James Borrego into the head coaching role. Unfortunately, even with a new head coach, things didn’t get markedly better.
Williamson, individually, had one of his worst seasons, averaging a career low with 21 points per game on 60% shooting from the field. He played in 61 games, which was an overall positive sign for his trajectory.
But given the state of the team, he wasn’t all too happy at the end of the season press conference. Speaking to reporters, his main contention was the Pelicans’ lack of postseason success.
“I want to experience the playoffs,” he confessed. “It’s going to be a different summer with how I’m going to approach it. And it’s already started. But basketball-wise, I’m looking to take a different approach cuz it’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs. And I take my responsibility in that.”
Zion Williamson has been in the NBA for 7 SEASONS and has not played a single playoff game ðŸ˜
“I want to experience the playoffs…It’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs. And I take my responsibility in that”pic.twitter.com/FrDLQOvA2y
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) April 14, 2026
In six seasons, he has failed to suit up for a single minute of playoff basketball, as he was injured on both occasions that the Pelicans qualified for the postseason. But with Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Queen, the roster has a ton of potential.
It falls on Williamson as the player many believed would be their franchise cornerstone to elevate them to that next level. It remains to be seen if he can take that next step, but time is running out for the Pelicans to make a legitimate push.
