As the New Orleans Pelicans gear up for the upcoming NBA season, head coach Willie Green emphasizes the importance of star player Zion Williamson’s health and performance. Green thinks Williamson is “one of the best” players in the league. He raises a good point about how essential Williamson is to the team’s competitiveness. Williamson is coming off a lost season in which he appeared in just 30 games due to injuries. After his dominating performance at minicamp in L.A., hope has been restored to the olive and navy Pelicans faithful.
Zion Williamson, standing between 6-6 and 6-7, is known for his explosive athleticism and ability to dunk. His career has been marred by injury that has drawn the ire and skepticism of many people on his long-term durability. Williamson was putting up MVP-type stats prior to going down with injury last season. Green thinks a completely healthy Williamson could be the biggest factor in determining how far the Pelicans go next year.
At minicamp, Green pointed to Williamson as a major success story, saying he looked “really good,” which caused optimism to bloom in the coaching staff and fans alike. “Just be you. Everybody else is taken. Be you,” Green advised Williamson, reflecting his supportive approach to coaching.
Williamson’s comparison to NBA superstar Russell Westbrook should tell you all you need to know about his potential transformational power on the basketball court. Green has great expectations for Williamson’s performance, knowing full well that Williamson is one of the foundation stones of the Pelicans’ organization. No matter if he’s playing point guard, shooting guard, or small forward, his energy can lift any team. It further puts them on a competitive level against other teams in the league.
The Pelicans’ fortunes are tied pretty heavily to Williamson’s health this upcoming season. If he stays healthy, it might be the biggest return-from-injury turnaround in MLB, catapulting a losing team right back into playoff contention.
Green also shared a tangible love of New Orleans, inviting Williamson to fall in love with the city. You know, if you love this city, this city will love you right back. It’s an amazing culture. In this moment of tragedy, the people here have been incredible, inspiring, resilient and a lot of fun,” he said.
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