Will the NBA make sure that the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson are part of any resumption of play? Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NBA insider: League will 'make sure' Zion Williamson, Pelicans are involved in playoffs

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/29/20

The NBA has yet to officially announce its plans for a return to action amid the coronavirus pandemic, but all signs are pointing to the league playing the remainder of its season at Walt Disney World.

Much like the NHL, the NBA could opt to resume the 2019-20 campaign with a 24-team playoff format that includes a play-in round, or something very similar. If that happens, the New Orleans Pelicans, who currently aren't in a playoff spot, would make the playoffs, and ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst believes the league is going to do everything in its power to make sure Zion Williamson is involved in the postseason.

"One of the things I've been hearing as I talk to people in the league is [the idea that] the league is going to set up this playoff plan to make sure Zion Williamson is involved."

—@WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/Xchtt7dCKL
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 29, 2020

The Pelicans would be unable to overtake the Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed if a limited number of regular-season games resume, but an extended playoff scenario would guarantee Williamson and New Orleans the chance to make a splash. The Pelicans, who went 7-1 against the Grizzlies, Kings, Spurs and Trail Blazers, would be competing against those teams for the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.

A majority of fans also would love to watch Williamson take the court once again. After all, he only played in 19 games this season after recovering from a nagging knee injury. The 19-year-old was averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 58.9% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc.

There are no guarantees the NBA decides to adopt a similar format to the NHL, but seeing Williamson compete on the league's biggest stage would be fantastic for the NBA.

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