What’s the next chapter for Zion Williamson?
Ultimately, it is still far too early in Zion Williamson’s career to jump to any conclusions. As previously stated, he is only four seasons into his career. His rookie extension has barely aged a day, and despite criticism, Zion has proven time and time again that when he is healthy and able, he is in a league above all the other members of his draft class.
The moment New Orleans drafted him, they have been in championship discussions every year. Whether they are the top seed or a dark horse sleeper, the Pelicans are a team that demands to be taken seriously. And that is perhaps the most tragic thing about this entire ordeal.
It’s one thing for a No. 1 draft pick to fizzle out as Greg Oden did. Or for the headliner of a draft class to show decent promise in his first few seasons only to end up a shell of himself like Ben Simmons. But the tragedy of Zion Williamson is an entirely different level of heartbreak. Because he always gives you just enough reason to hold on to hope. Just enough to make fans believe that this time will be different. That this is the year that New Orleans will truly contend, only for it all to go wrong.
While I was writing this article I recalled the Greek Myth of Sisyphus, an ancient king condemned to spend eternity pushing a boulder up a hill, only for it to end up careening all the way back down to the starting point just before cresting the summit. The tragic allegory can be summed up in a simple phrase: “So close, yet so far.”
As I read over this piece I repeatedly asked myself who embodied the tale of Sisyphus more: Zion Williamson, or the New Orleans basketball franchise as a whole? Even after spending many sleepless nights going back and forth on the topic, I haven’t been able to reach a definitive answer. But what I know for sure is this: the tragedy of Zion Williamson has been maddening for all parties.
From the wounded titan himself who as of yet has not given us reason to doubt his desire to dominate the game, to the Pelicans fans desperate to see their vaunted champion return, to the organization who have invested heavily in Zion but have yet to see any significant returns.
Sadly, and perhaps most maddeningly of all, it looks like all we can do is trudge back down that hill, put our hands firmly on the boulder, and start pushing again. Maybe this time will be different.