The 2025–26 NBA season could be the defining chapter of Zion Williamson’s career. Once hailed as the league’s next generational superstar, Williamson now finds himself at a crossroads — his immense talent weighed down by an alarming injury history that could even wear on his teammates.
As the New Orleans Pelicans look to solidify their future, the question is simple: Can Zion stay healthy enough to lead them there?
Is Zion Williamson Fully Healthy Heading Into The 2025–26 NBA Season?
According to Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon, Zion entered training camp in “the best physical condition of his career.” Team reports in September 2025 (via The Athletic and ESPN’s Andrew Lopez) confirmed he trimmed down to around 260 pounds, his lightest playing weight since his rookie season.
That’s encouraging, considering Zion missed 37 games last year with recurring hamstring and ankle issues. Despite that, he averaged 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 58 games, with efficient production (58% FG) that reminded fans of his explosive peak.
How Severe Is Zion Williamson’s Injury History?
Since being drafted No.1 overall in 2019, Zion’s career has been marred by injuries:
2019–20: Missed 44 games (knee surgery).2020–21: Played 61 games — his healthiest season.2021–22: Missed entire season (foot fracture).2022–23: Missed 53 games (hamstring).2023–24: Missed 37 games (ankle/hamstring).
In total, he’s played just 194 of a possible 410 regular-season games through five seasons.
What’s At Stake For Zion And The Pelicans This Season?
A lot, both financially and competitively.
Zion signed a five-year, $197 million extension in 2022, which runs through the 2027–28 season. But according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, several clauses in that deal are injury-protected, giving New Orleans flexibility if availability issues persist.
For the Pelicans, the stakes are equally high. With Brandon Ingram entering free agency in 2026 and CJ McCollum nearing the end of his prime
According to NBA Advanced Stats (2024–25 season):
Zion ranked top 10 in points in the paint (15.8 PPG).His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 24.7 placed him among the league’s top 15 players.The Pelicans were +7.4 in net rating when he was on the floor, equivalent to a 55-win pace.
Few players combine his explosiveness, strength, and finishing ability.
Could Zion Still Win An MVP Someday?
It might sound far-fetched today, but Zion’s ceiling remains MVP-caliber.
If he stays healthy for 70+ games and the Pelicans crack the top four in the West, he’ll naturally re-enter the conversation.
What’s Next For Zion Williamson?
For now, the Pelicans are publicly backing him, including head coach Willie Green, who told NOLA.com in September:
“We believe in Zion. We’re going to help him get through this, because when he’s right, we’re special.”
FAQs
Q1. How many games has Zion Williamson missed in his career?
Through five seasons, Zion has missed 216 of a possible 410 games due to injuries.
Q2. What’s Zion’s current contract with the Pelicans?
He’s under contract through 2027–28 on a five-year, $197 million extension signed in 2022.
Q3. Is Zion Williamson fully healthy for the 2025–26 season?
Yes, team officials and Zion himself confirmed he entered training camp fully cleared and in top physical shape.
Q4. Could the Pelicans trade Zion if injuries continue?
It’s unlikely mid-season, but long-term trade possibilities could surface if he remains unavailable for extended stretches.
Q5. Has Zion ever made an All-NBA or MVP shortlist?
He was an All-Star starter in 2021 and 2023, and finished 9th in MVP voting during his 2020–21 breakout year.
The post Zion Williamson’s Future At Risk? How Injuries Could Derail His Dominance In New Orleans originally published on Total Pro Sports.