NBA Legend Names 1 ‘Wild Card’ For Pelicans’ Success

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans had a major win on Monday night, beating the Sacramento Kings in the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament and earning a ticket to Las Vegas.

It was the latest strong game from the Pelicans, who have looked a lot better lately.

Speaking after the game on TNT, via Pelicans Film Room, Charles Barkley talked about the key player who brings it all together for New Orleans: Zion Williamson.

“Zion is the wild card… this team is scary on paper but it’s all gonna come down to Zion,” Barkley said, before giving credit to other players on the roster, including bench stars.

“Zion is the wildcard… this team is scary on paper but it’s all gonna come down to Zion… You gotta give Trajan Langdon a lot of credit, them guys coming off the bench”

— Charles Barkley on the Pelicans roster pic.twitter.com/UghOUKMGv5

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 5, 2023

Time and time again, numerous people have said that Williamson is the centerpiece of this team.

Ever since he was drafted by the Pelicans in 2019, analysts and fans have believed that Williamson is the future of the franchise.

The only problem is that repeated injuries have prevented him from really delivering on all his promises.

However, he is looking much better – and healthier – this season.

So far in 2023-24, Williamson is putting up 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.

Even though he is 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, Williamson has adapted to a new role within the Pelicans’ roster this season, playing more of a point guard position.

That has required a bit of an adjustment and there have been some growing pains for Williamson.

For example, he only scored 10 points on Monday night, although he also racked up 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

But Williamson’s new role looks like it makes sense for the team and it is paying off well, as the Pelicans have won six of their last nine and are looking like playoff contenders again.

The post NBA Legend Names 1 ‘Wild Card’ For Pelicans’ Success appeared first on The Cold Wire.