Report: Pels Impressed by Zion Williamson's Mental, Physical Progress Before Injury

Changes are coming with the New Orleans Pelicans, but that's not likely to include Zion Williamson.

William Guillory of The Athletic reported Pelicans brass was impressed with the improvements Williamson made with his "mental and physical state" this season. Williamson was reportedly more vocal as a leader and integrated himself with teammates after previously "operating away from the group."

Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin hinted at major change coming this offseason at his season-ending press conference.

"In the past, we've always erred on the side of continuity, and our takeaway has always been, 'Let's see this group healthy.' I think we've seen it enough," Griffin said. "This is not going to be a summer of complacency. It's time to get better."

New Orleans has been a playoff team in two of the last three seasons but has not advanced past the first round. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Pelicans last month as they struggled to find an identity without an injured Williamson.

Griffin is likely starting to feel his seat warm as he enters his sixth season running basketball operations in New Orleans. He took the job as a tear-down amid Anthony Davis' trade request to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the time for patience has long since passed.

Williamson is heading into his sixth NBA season, and Brandon Ingram's long-expected star turn doesn't appear it's ever happening eight years into his career. Ingram could be a hot name on the trade block in the coming months as the Pelicans look to build around Williamson moving forward.