When the New Orleans Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson, it was expected to mark the beginning of a promising future, but the reality has been far different.
The Pelicans have reached the playoffs twice since drafting Williamson, and he was absent both times. Numerous issues with Williamson have been documented, yet he has made it clear that it is ’till death do us part for him and the Pelicans.
Zion Williamson Voices His Loyalty to New Orleans
During his appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Williamson dismissed speculation that he wanted to leave the Pelicans, emphasizing the bond he has developed with the city and its residents.
“New Orleans is home for me,” he said. “I know people hear rumors hear different things. In the offseason, I stay in New Orleans and just move around the city, just getting to learn more about the culture. I’ve made a lot of friends there. New Orleans … is really home for me.”
Williamson cited a New Orleans sports icon as inspiration for his commitment to the team.
“I want to do what I can to help New Orleans win. If you can win a championship in New Orleans, if you can look at the impact Drew Brees had with winning a Super Bowl, you’re forever, and who doesn’t want to be forever?”
Zion: “New Orleans is home for me. I know people hear rumors hear different things. In the offseason I stay in New Orleans and just move around the city just getting to learn more about the culture. I’ve made a lot of friends there. New Orleans is really home for me. I want to do… pic.twitter.com/mIwcgogAFm
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) March 2, 2026
This represents a notable shift from previous New Orleans stars, such as Chris Paul and Anthony Davis, who sought to leave not long after their rookie contracts ended.
Still, Williamson, who is currently experiencing the healthiest stretch of his career with 35 consecutive games played, has yet to lead the team to significant success. If he aspires to a legacy comparable to Brees in New Orleans, there remains considerable progress to be made.
The first step is the most evident: remaining healthy for an entire season. The next is building a championship-caliber roster around him.
Williamson possesses the talent to be a franchise cornerstone but has yet to demonstrate consistent availability. The Pelicans have assembled a solid group of players — Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Jordan Poole — but have not managed to translate that talent into sustained success.
