Quick Read
- Zion Williamson enters his seventh NBA season with improved health and mindset.
- Pelicans executive Joe Dumars is holding Williamson to higher standards of accountability.
- Williamson’s offseason included boxing and football-based training for better conditioning.
- The Pelicans added veterans Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole to boost playoff experience.
- Williamson says he feels as healthy as he did in college, aiming for greater consistency.
Pelicans Betting Big on Zion Williamson’s Rebirth
The New Orleans Pelicans are on the cusp of a new chapter, and at the heart of it stands Zion Williamson—slimmer, sharper, and more focused than he’s been since his college days at Duke. After six seasons marked by breathtaking highlights and frustrating injuries, Williamson enters his seventh NBA training camp with a sense of purpose that feels different, even to those who’ve watched him closely.
On media day in Metairie, Louisiana, Williamson was candid. “I like Joe; what you see is what you get,” he said, referring to Joe Dumars, the team’s newly appointed executive vice president of basketball operations. Williamson didn’t shy away from the reality: Dumars is there to hold him accountable, to raise the standard, and to challenge him. And that’s exactly what Zion wants.
As Williamson put it, “He’s going to give me a lot of responsibility as well, which I’m excited for. I know he’s going to hold me to a really high standard, and if I slip up or anything, I know he’s going to be right there to make sure I get right back on the path.”
Accountability, Leadership, and a New Pelicans Culture
The arrival of Dumars—an NBA legend with titles both as a player and executive—signals a cultural shift in New Orleans. Dumars and general manager Troy Weaver didn’t just hand Williamson the keys; they made him earn it. Williamson recalled frank, “man-to-man conversations” with the leadership team, emphasizing a mutual commitment: “I’m not going to let y’all down.”
Last season, the Pelicans limped to a 21-61 record, ravaged by injuries. Williamson missed 52 games, mainly due to hamstring and back problems. In his absence, New Orleans went 11-41, missing several other starters, including Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. But this summer, things changed.
Coach Willie Green and Dumars noticed Williamson’s dedication. “I saw his work this summer, his attention to his body, his conditioning,” Green remarked. “He wants to be available for his teammates.” Murphy added, “He looks good—slimmer than I’ve ever seen him during the summer time, which is always a good sign. And I feel like he’s in a really good place mentally.”
Williamson’s workouts weren’t just about basketball. He incorporated boxing and football drills, training alongside NFL athletes at the Saints’ facilities, all under the eye of Pelicans Director of Performance Daniel Bove. “I really felt a shift in my body,” Williamson explained. “It feels good to feel good.”
From Talent to Greatness: Zion’s Quest for Consistency
The narrative around Zion Williamson has always revolved around potential. Selected first overall in 2019, he’s averaged 24.7 points per game—an electrifying stat line, but one obscured by the harsh reality that he’s missed more NBA games (268) than he’s played (214). The absence of postseason appearances looms large, both for Williamson and the franchise.
But this offseason, Williamson’s focus extended beyond physical recovery. “The focus this past summer was to build a relationship with Joe and Troy and just stay locked in on the game,” he said. The mentorship of Dumars, a former Finals MVP, has been pivotal. “I know he sees the game in a way similar to how I was trained. We see the game in similar ways,” Williamson noted.
Dumars has pressed Williamson to embrace leadership—not just as a scorer, but as the face of the team, the first to address the media after tough losses. “Face questions, be respectful,” Dumars instructed. For Williamson, it’s a new layer of responsibility, one that stretches beyond the box score.
He put it succinctly: “Greatness is every day. Even when you don’t want to do it, no matter the adversity, you do it every day.”
Roster Changes, Veteran Influence, and a Fresh Start
The Pelicans’ offseason wasn’t just about Williamson’s transformation. Dumars made strategic moves, bringing in Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole, both veterans of the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 championship run. Their playoff experience adds a dose of wisdom to a locker room hungry for postseason success.
Williamson sees their arrival as a turning point. “They went through the journey, they went through the playoffs, they felt the energy and they lived it. So, that type of experience, you just can’t get anywhere.”
He’s also quick to credit past teammates like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum for shaping his understanding of leadership, even as he moves into a more prominent role with their departures. Instead of feeling pressure, Williamson says he’s motivated to guide younger players, to be the steadying presence the franchise needs.
Continuity with head coach Willie Green—now entering their sixth season together—has fostered open communication. “He can talk to me and I can talk to him. We have that relationship,” Williamson said.
Zion’s Health and Mindset: Back to College Form
Perhaps the most striking revelation from Williamson is his renewed sense of health and well-being. “I haven’t felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into the gym and feel good,” he admitted. The combination of basketball drills, boxing, and football exercises has rebuilt not just his body, but his confidence.
Last season, Williamson played in just 30 games, averaging 24.5 points, seven rebounds, and slightly over five assists. This year, he’s determined to flip the script, making availability and consistency his top priorities.
As Williamson prepares to lead the Pelicans into a season brimming with hope and expectation, the lessons of the past—injury, disappointment, and doubt—linger as motivation. The belief from Dumars and the coaching staff is clear. Now, it’s up to Zion to turn potential into reality.
Zion Williamson’s transformation is about more than just fitness; it’s a test of character, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The Pelicans’ gamble on accountability and culture could finally unlock the superstar they’ve always believed in. As the new season begins, all eyes are on Williamson—not just to deliver highlight dunks, but to become the leader New Orleans needs.