Zion Williamson 'looking to build on' major strides he made during 2023-24 season

Zion Williamson’s fourth NBA season was filled with jaw-dropping physical feats and the kind of highlight plays that previously established the power forward as one of the league’s most exciting performers, even when he was a 19-year-old rookie. But during Tuesday’s exit interviews, many of his New Orleans Pelicans teammates spoke more about the progress Williamson has made off the court, including a distinct improvement in his professionalism and preparation. The 23-year-old posted impressive statistics all season, but the one that mattered most was his career-high 70 regular season games played.

“That was definitely a step in the right direction,” said Williamson, who never missed consecutive games in the regular season due to injury. “(I’m) looking to build on that next season. Hopefully do what I need to do so I can participate in the playoffs next year.”

Unfortunately for Williamson, his only notable injury of 2023-24 came at the worst possible time, a left hamstring strain that prevented him from making his career playoff debut. It kept him out of the lineup for two games apiece amid the raucous playoff atmospheres of Oklahoma City and New Orleans.

“It’s really bittersweet, because I’m looking around (those arenas) just like, ‘This is the playoffs. Everybody has the same shirt on (in the crowd), fans are into the game.’ It was bittersweet, but I was also so happy for my (teammates to get the opportunity).”

The arc of Williamson’s All-NBA-level campaign could be traced in semi-direct fashion to a few matchups vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. Williamson was subject to national ridicule after he played poorly in the Dec. 7 In-Season Tournament semifinals in Las Vegas, a game New Orleans lost by 44 points to the eventual IST champion Lakers. However, that low point served as motivation.

“That was definitely a big moment for me, because I didn’t look at anybody else,” Williamson said of taking responsibility. “I looked at myself. I’ll take full blame for that. I wasn’t where I needed to be. I didn’t perform the way I needed to perform. I think it was one of those things that I needed to experience, because it definitely changed a lot for me during the season.”

In an April 16 play-in game, Williamson came from behind to block a shot by James, a play Williamson said he made partly based on his improved feel for the game and understanding of NBA defense. Asked if he could’ve gotten that block 365 days ago, Williamson replied, “A year ago, athletically, yes. But that was more (basketball) IQ. I think (James) had Jose (Alvarado) guarding him on that play, and (I was) looking at where his eyes were – if he was going to pass it or attack the basket – so that was more IQ. So I’ve grown defensively with my IQ.”

His hamstring injury also occurred April 16 against the Lakers, after he poured in 40 points and seemed poised to make his presence felt in the postseason for the first time.

“When it first happened it was super frustrating,” he said of the injury. “Really frustrating, because I felt like I was in that zone. When it happened, I kind of knew (how significant it was). That’s why I looked so frustrated.”

His playoff DNPs represented a cruel close to a season in which he made major strides in his defensive effectiveness and began to add a mid-range jumper that could open up the floor for his elite driving and paint-scoring ability. The southpaw said teammates helped motivate him to be a stingier defender.

“I’ve got to give my respect to Naji (Marshall), Dys (Daniels), Jose, and of course (Herb Jones),” Williamson said of defense-first teammates. “Watching them dudes do what they do, as a competitor, when I see something like that, it’s (like), ‘I’ve got to get my (stuff) together.’ Seriously. I’m watching Herb play free safety. I’m watching Naji, Jose and Dys pick up fullcourt (on defense) the whole time they’re in the game. I can’t be the weak link. I really locked in to it. My offense is going to come, but my defense needs to be there.”

Williamson’s improvement and significant increase in availability (he'd played in a total of 29 games over the previous two seasons) helped lead New Orleans to 49 wins, tied for the second-most in team history. It was a big step forward both individually and team-wise, but the South Carolina native wants more.

“I think we made a lot of growth, but we still have a lot of improvements we can make to be a special team,” he said Tuesday. “I still think we have a lot of room to grow.”