NBA: 8 big takeaways from the 2022 trade deadline

The New Orleans Pelicans still believe in Zion Williamson

After a terrible start to the season, the New Orleans Pelicans appear to have finally hit their stride. They are currently sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference, just four games back of the 8th seed. In the days leading up to the trade deadline, the Pelicans addressed one of their biggest needs in acquiring CJ McCollum from the Blazers.

McCollum will be a huge asset for the team during the stretch run and should fit well next to Brandon Ingram. I don’t think the Pelicans do this move if they weren’t somewhat confident in the future with Zion Williamson, who we could very well see at some point soon.

Zion hasn’t played in a game this season and, still, the Pelicans have done a great job of remaining within shouting distance of a playoff spot. The addition of McCollum should help on that front and if Zion returns, the Pelicans could emerge as one of the most interesting teams heading into the Play-In Tournament.