UPDATE: Zion Williamson is ready to face the challenges ahead as he prepares for his seventh training camp with the New Orleans Pelicans. In a candid statement made just yesterday, Williamson expressed his eagerness for accountability from Joe Dumars, the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations, emphasizing that he welcomes a tough approach as he strives for greatness.
“I like Joe; what you see is what you get,” the 25-year-old forward stated. “He’s going to hold me accountable, and as he holds me accountable, he’s going to give me a lot of responsibility as well, which I’m excited for.” This high standard comes at a crucial time for Williamson, who has faced challenges in his career due to injuries.
Since being drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke in 2019, Williamson has averaged 24.7 points per game but has missed an alarming 268 games due to injuries, making his participation in postseason play nonexistent thus far. The Pelicans, who suffered a disappointing 21-61 record last season, have advanced to the playoffs without him but failed to make significant impacts.
Williamson revealed that his discussions with Dumars and general manager Troy Weaver were pivotal. “They embraced me, and I just told them, ‘I’m not going to let y’all down,’” he said. This confidence is critical as he looks to overcome the past struggles that have overshadowed his talent.
Both Dumars and coach Willie Green noted their encouragement from Williamson’s dedication this offseason. “I saw his work this summer, his attention to his body, his conditioning,” Green commented. “He wants to be available for his teammates.” Pelicans teammate Trey Murphy III added, “He looks good—slimmer than I’ve ever seen him during the summer time, which is always a good sign.”
As part of his training regimen, Williamson incorporated boxing and drills on football fields used by the New Orleans Saints. “I really felt a shift in my body,” he noted, attributing his progress to Pelicans Director of Performance Daniel Bove.
Dumars emphasized that achieving greatness is about more than just talent. They have discussed critical attributes such as work ethic, commitment, and leadership. Dumars expressed his expectation that Williamson take on a media-facing role, stating, “I want him to be the first one to step to the media after a game and speak for the team.”
Last season, the Pelicans struggled significantly without Williamson, recording an 11-41 record in his absence, largely due to injuries sustained by other key players as well. Dumars has made strategic offseason moves, bringing in Kevin Looney and Jordan Poole, both of whom are fresh off a championship run with the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
Williamson is acutely aware of Dumars’ legacy, both as a former player and an executive. “Greatness is every day,” Williamson stated, sounding resolved to put Dumars’ guidance into action. “Whatever my team needs, that’s what I’ll do.” With the season approaching, Williamson’s commitment to improvement and the Pelicans’ future hangs in the balance, making this training camp pivotal for both him and the franchise.
This developing story highlights a significant turning point for Williamson and the Pelicans as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Fans will be watching closely to see if Williamson can finally realize his full potential under Dumars’ leadership.
