It's up to Zion Williamson to show he can fit with those around him on the New Orleans Pelicans if he wants to avoid a trade.
The New Orleans Pelicans begin training camp just over a month away, on September 29, which means it is time to kick preparations for next season into gear.
As things currently stand, Zion Williamson is still the team's star. Within the next year, though, that could change.
Williamson has been trying to figure out the balance between being as aggressive as he can on the court and staying healthy for his entire career. It's more crucial than ever as he enters the second-to-last year of his contract.
Joe Dumars and the Pelicans' decision-makers decided to stay committed to the current core built around Williamson this offseason. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will take the side seat once again as New Orleans tries to win with its veterans. That doesn't mean Williamson can take his foot off the pedal.
As of right now, Dumars has made it known that Williamson hasn't done enough to secure the maximum extension that he would like. No Pelicans fan needs a reminder of the medical concerns, but that's not all that the forward needs to do.
Alongside staying on the court, he now must expand what he does on offense. It handicaps the team's ability to build around him when doesn't provide the spacing of someone who can even threaten defenses from the midrange.
Williamson has long practiced longer mid-range shots and even three point shots throughout the week. If he hits one early in a game, he can start to shoot a couple at a time. Now, he must be able to miss the shot and be able to go back to it.
The 26-year-old being able to force his way to the rim or draw contact at will is very valuable. This team can get to the playoffs with him putting up 24 points a game and 60% from the field, but it doesn't look like they are going to commit all the way to building the team they need to do that.
Now, Williamson needs to worry about how he can fit with Queen long-term. Right now, things don't look great. A large part of that is them both have similar offensive ranges.
If the team stumbles once again, and things appear headed towards another missed postseason, Williamson will likely be shopped at the deadline. It would be shock to see him last past next offseason if things don't turn around for the better right away.
