On May 1, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs continued. In the first round of a set of focus battles, the Pelicans, who entered the playoffs as the 9th in the West, said a regrettable farewell to this season, and they lost 2-4 to the Suns in the 1st place in the West. Considering that Zion has not played all season, this result is already very good.
At yesterday's Pelicans season wrap-up meeting, Zion said of his comeback, saying: "My real feeling is that watching the ball from the sidelines is terrible. I think I'm fine, I can come back this season. But the team, the coaching staff and the management decided to let me continue to rest, and they thought it was the best option. ”
Earlier in the day, Zion added: "I have confirmed that I can play, but I waited for a few games to ensure safety. My plan was to surprise everyone and make a comeback in Battle Seven. But we ended up losing to the Suns in 6 games, which was just terrible! "This summer, Zion is eligible for an early contract extension with the Pelicans, up to $223 million for 5 years!
But in any case, the Pelicans have ended this season, but their future is undoubtedly exciting, next season they will usher in Zion's comeback, the team also has Ingram, McCollum, Alvarado and other good players, next season they are undoubtedly stronger.
It is worth mentioning that the president of the Pelicans specially thanked the Lakers in an interview, because the Pelicans' draft pick this year came from the Lakers, and the Lakers made this draft pick a lotto sign due to their poor record. David Griffin said: "If someone told me 'the Lakers' 2022 draft pick will be a lotto pick,' it would be a lie. As often happens in our business, 'luck is always good'. We're a playoff team now, and we're really lucky to have a lotto pick. ”
The draft pick came from the 2019 Davis deal. The Lakers got Davis and sent Ball, Ingram, Josh Hart and No. 4 Pick Hunter to the Pelicans, as well as two first-round picks and a first-round pick swap.