Zion Williamson, once tagged as a future MVP and a defining superstar, just landed at a shocking No. 51 in ESPN’s ranking of the NBA’s best players for the 2026-27 season. This isn’t just a number, folks. It’s a seismic shift from where he was supposed to be. This former No. 1 overall pick, who was once seen as a future MVP candidate, can’t even crack the top 50. Sure, he climbed from No. 61 last year, but for a guy with his hype, that hardly feels like a win, does it? The expectations have changed so dramatically that he’s now compared to solid starters and productive role players, not the young superstar ready to dominate the league.
Health Isn’t Everything When the Numbers Don’t Match
Last season, Williamson actually played 62 games, which was his second-highest total in a seven-year career. That should’ve been the good news Pelicans fans were desperate for, especially after he missed the entire 2021-22 season due to injuries. But here’s the kicker: even with a healthier year, we didn’t see the dominant Zion everyone hoped for. His 21 points per game was the lowest scoring average of his career. His usage rate? Also a career low, as New Orleans tried to figure out how he fit into their offense. The dude’s still nearly impossible to stop when he gets into the paint, no doubt. He averaged 15.4 paint points per game, the best among NBA players with at least 40 appearances. But that’s the thing, it’s everything *else* that’s causing problems.
The Sticking Points and the Looming Question Marks
Williamson just doesn’t consistently stretch the floor, and that makes it way too easy for defenders to clog up the lane against him. Add his defensive limitations to the mix, and you’ve got lineup headaches for a Pelicans team that needs more reliable two-way production. The athletic ability is still there, it’s obvious, but his overall impact just isn’t overwhelming enough to cover those weaknesses anymore. He hasn’t made an All-Star team since 2023, and he’s turning 27 this season. He’s no longer a “developing prospect.” The Pelicans need him to step up as a dependable franchise player, right now. ESPN projects him for 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists this season. Those are strong numbers, absolutely, but honestly, they’re not that different from what other forwards can produce. His own teammate, Trey Murphy III, is ranked just six spots below him at No. 57, and Murphy came into the league with totally different expectations. Murphy’s a valuable modern wing who can shoot, defend, and contribute without needing the ball constantly. Williamson, though? He needs the offense designed around his drive-to-the-basket ability. That’s a huge difference, and it could totally influence how New Orleans builds its roster moving forward. Will Zion ever be an All-Star again? That’s the million-dollar question for the Pelicans this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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