The New Orleans Pelicans will have a chance to seriously compete in 2023-24 if Zion Williamson stays healthy. Williamson, who has a chance to be a superstar, is “ready to go” to open the season, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.

“Zion Williamson is 100 percent ready to go,” Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show. “I think the NBA world all wants him to be ready to play a full season.”

Zion Williamson's career

Pelicans' Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson was one of the highest regarded prospects of all-time. He even rivaled Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James in terms of hype. The Duke product has only appeared in more than 60 games once during his young career though.

He was limited to 24 games during his rookie season, but played in 61 games his second season. However, Williamson then missed the entire 2021-22 campaign due to a foot injury. He played in 29 games in 2022-23 as well.

But in 2020-21, the season that saw Williamson appear in 61 games, he displayed MVP-caliber dominance. He averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game to go along with 3.7 assists per contest.

The Pelicans fully believe in his potential.

Pelicans' 2023-24 season

The Pelicans are set to open their season on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans displayed the ability to contend last year before Zion Williamson went down with an injury. He was still selected to the All-Star game despite playing less than half of the year.

New Orleans features enough talent to compete. CJ McCollum is capable of running the point guard or shooting guard position. He's a quality ball-hander and efficient scorer.

Brandon Ingram is a talented wing who can score at an elite level. Defenses are forced to focus on Ingram, which provides the rest of the team with better looks.

Again, this all leads back to Zion Williamson. When he's on the floor, defenses also have to focus on him. He's almost unstoppable near the rim. Williamson is developing as a rebounder and defender as well.

The Pelicans will go as far as Zion takes them, and that starts with his health. It's repetitive but needs to be said. As Charania stated, the NBA world is indeed hoping Williamson can play a full season.