NBA Insider Drops Surprising Zion Williamson Update That Could Change Everything

So here we are again, tiptoeing into another season with the New Orleans Pelicans and the ever-enticing question: Will Zion Williamson finally give us the healthy, dominant campaign we’ve been craving — or will injuries continue to pull the rug out from under him? I mean, after watching him torch defenses in just 30 games last year (24.6 points, 7.2 boards, 5.3 assists on a scorching 56.7% shooting), it’s impossible not to feel a mix of hope and skeptical anticipation. Now, word on the street—and by street, I mean inside whispers from the Pelicans’ own fishin’ trip dinner chats—is that Zion’s not just getting physically right but gearing up to lead. Really lead. The kind of leadership that could pull New Orleans out of their slump. Is this the moment when Zion grows into the role we all expected back when he was drafted? Or are we priming ourselves for another season of “what could have been”? Either way, this team’s deeper than folks give them credit for—maybe, just maybe, this year’s Pelican flight could finally take off.

New Orleans Pelicans v Denver Nuggets — (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

They have heard it before, but New Orleans Pelicans fans are being told that the new season could be a great and healthy one for Zion Williamson.

The latest reports from inside the team suggest that Williamson is not only getting healthy for the new year but also preparing to be a leader.

Marc Spears is reporting that Williamson is embracing the role of leader, which could be great news for the Pelicans as they attempt to turn a corner.

“The day before I went fishing in New Orleans, I had dinner with Willie Green… He said Zion looks great. He is showing a lot more leadership… If you look at their roster, it’s a lot deeper and better than a lot of people think,” Spears said.

Zion Williamson is stepping up as a leader on the Pelicans, per @MarcJSpears

"The day before I went fishing in New Orleans, I had dinner with Willie Green… He said Zion looks great. He is showing a lot more leadership… If you look at their roster, it's a lot deeper and… pic.twitter.com/qEF4dVLaUz

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 22, 2025

Last season, Williamson was once again a monster on the court, posting 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 56.7 percent from the field.

The problem was that he only appeared in 30 games because, once again, injuries were a huge problem for him.

The hope is that Williamson will be at 100 percent for all games in 2025-26.

But the Pelicans need more than a physically fit Williamson.

After multiple bad years, it has become clear that this team requires more guidance and experience, and that is what their star player can bring them.

He has now spent five years in the league, which is plenty of time for him to step up and accept the role as a leader.

The upcoming season could be a tricky and challenging one for many teams in the West, especially the Pelicans.

If Williamson does not take this predicted leap forward, there will be conversations about the team parting ways with him.

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