The leaves have begun to change.  Pumpkin spice is running rampant through your local grocery stores and coffee shops.  And finally, spooky SZN has arrived.

            However, it’s not because Halloween is right around the corner, but because Pelicans’ basketball is back, and HE is back.  By he, I’m talking about none other than the man, the myth, the legend: Zion Williamson.  Unless you’ve been trapped under a rock, you’ve seen the pictures of Zion going around on Twitter and MY GOODNESS does he look incredible.  Side note, the earring is giving me major MJ vibes, but I digress.

            Let’s forget about his physique for now though.  Zion, a recent Patty’s players recipient, is finally healthy and looks happier than ever to be around his teammates.  Every practice highlight we’ve seen of Zion has shown that he has his speed, power, and explosiveness back.  Now, I’ve always been one to try to manage my own expectations, but when reports that Z is “dominating” practices start to circulate, it makes it incredibly difficult to not have excitement start to bubble up inside of me.  It feels like a lifetime since we last saw Zion step on the court, but he’s back.  Also, it seems like he’s seen all the criticism and insults from the peanut gallery.  So, not only is he back, but he’s also back with a chip on his shoulder, and the rest of the league should be terrified.

            But Zion, and Halloween haunted houses, are the only reason the rest of the NBA should be terrified.  This Pelicans roster is young and LOADED.  Arguably, the most loaded roster in team history.  The young rookies from last year, likely, will only be better this season.  Trey Murphy has been all over the internet this offseason, and not only does he look like he grew to a legit 6’9 – 6’10, but he also seems to have taken his shooting and ball handling to another level.  José is said to be shooting the lights out as well, and for the second off season in a row, Coach Willie Green has said that Herb Jones has impressed him more than any other player.  On top of last year’s rookie class, we’re adding a playmaking and athletic point guard to the roster in Dyson Daniels.  The roster is so deep, it’s going to be tough to get all these young guys the minutes they deserve.  I can’t think of a time that the franchise has had more good players than minutes to go around. 

            When you mix in the core of veterans the Pelicans have with its young guys, you have a roster that I truly believe can make a post season run.  I mean, we are dropping a generational talent into a lineup that was already good enough to make the playoffs.  Adding Zion to this lineup is only going to make the game easier for guys like CJ and BI.  Think about all the open looks CJ is going to get when Zion sucks the defense into the lane. Brandon Ingram double teams?  Those are a thing of the past, but if a team dares to try anyway, pray for them.  I even think a guy like Devonte Graham is going to benefit tremendously from Zion being back.  Graham is meant to be a 6^th man.  Zion being back will force Graham back into the role he was meant to play, and I believe he’ll thrive in that role.  Especially when he gets to run with Zion and get wide open looks as well. 

            I mentioned managing expectations earlier.  I do think we should all try to do that, at least for the beginning of the season.  Keep in mind that Zion has never played with the majority of the new roster.  It will likely take time for them to gel, so don’t get worked up if they struggle out the gate.  With that said, I think I speak for all 12 of us when I say this is the most excited I’ve ever been for a Pelicans season.  But it’s not only this season I’m excited for, but the future of this franchise has also never been brighter.  One of the best cores of young superstars and role players, an incredible front office, and large trick or treat bag full of draft picks.  It’s the Pelicans turn to step into the spotlight, and the league is f****d. 

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