# THE PRESSURE: Why This is a Career-Changing Year for Zion Williamson and the Pelicans to SUCCEED

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/the-pressure-why-this-is-a-career-changing-year-for-zion-williamson-and-the-pelicans-to-succeed
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/the-pressure-why-this-is-a-career-changing-year-for-zion-williamson-and-the-pelicans-to-succeed.md
Podcast: [Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622)
Published: 2026-09-30T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/ab893c/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965/episodes/1c2155a2-1be2-4047-9e7c-1377041f5fe7/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965&awEpisodeId=1c2155a2-1be2-4047-9e7c-1377041f5fe7&feed=dWDcvyl9
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Duration seconds: 1620

## Resource

New Orleans Pelicans face a crossroads as Zion Williamson enters a true make-or-break season. Is this Zion’s last chance to prove he’s the franchise cornerstone, or will recurring injuries and postseason absences define his legacy? Jake Madison highlights Zion’s candid admission—“I’m not where I want to be”—and examines what this new mindset means for the Pelicans’ playoff ambitions. Key topics include the Pelicans’ disciplined approach to contract extensions, the stakes of Zion’s leadership and conditioning, and how the team’s front office is managing salary cap flexibility in the modern NBA. Jake Madison also explores Zion’s connection with New Orleans, his motivation to finally deliver a playoff run for the city, and why this season could reshape both his career and the team’s direction. Can the Pelicans finally yield results when it matters most? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware. Protect yourself now. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA !…

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