New Orleans coach backs Zion as “one of the best” while Joe Dumars emphasizes accountability ahead of preseason
The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2025–26 NBA season looking to shake off last year’s struggles and re-establish themselves as a force in the Western Conference. Head coach Willie Green believes his squad, despite health setbacks and roster changes, is heading into preseason camp with renewed hunger and competitiveness.
At the center of the conversation, once again, is Zion Williamson — the franchise cornerstone who has dazzled when available but has yet to stay consistently healthy.
Green’s faith in Zion’s unique talent
Speaking ahead of training camp, Green described Williamson as a player with unmatched versatility and power.
“His talent is unmatched. There aren’t many guys who can do what Zion does on the floor — his speed, size, and ability to control a game are special,” Green told Andscape. “When he’s locked in, he’s one of the best players in the league.”
Green praised Zion’s growth on the defensive end and hinted at further improvement on offense, particularly with a mid-range jumper that could help him draw more fouls and avoid missed calls inside the paint.
Dumars’ message: accountability with greatness
Executive vice president Joe Dumars, brought in this offseason to steady the Pelicans’ front office, has been vocal about his expectations for Williamson.
“The main thing I’ve talked to Zion about is responsibility and accountability,” Dumars said. “With greatness comes responsibility. You don’t get to be great without being accountable for your game and your role. Talent alone isn’t enough.”
It’s a message that reflects the franchise’s belief that Zion must not only perform but also step into a greater leadership role for a roster featuring both new arrivals and promising young talent.
The Pelicans endured a disappointing 21–61 campaign last season, with only two players appearing in more than 66 games. Williamson was limited to just 30 outings, while Brandon Ingram was traded midseason.
This summer, Dumars reshaped the roster, sending veteran guard CJ McCollum to Washington in a three-team deal that brought in Jordan Poole — a 2022 NBA champion with Golden State — and forward Saddiq Bey. The front office is banking on Poole’s scoring punch and the development of rookie guard Jeremiah Fears to complement Williamson.
Dejounte Murray’s recovery from a torn Achilles will also be critical, with hopes he can return at some point during the season.
Green on competitiveness, growth, and pressure
Despite his 148–180 record over four seasons, Green has guided New Orleans to two playoff appearances and insists the foundation is in place.
“What excites me is the young talent we have,” Green said. “Last season was tough, but our guys are hungry to prove themselves. Health will play a huge role, but even when we’re not at full strength, we need to compete and find ways to win.”
Green acknowledged the pressure of heading into the final year of his contract but framed it as motivation. “For me, it’s about growth as a coach — learning from last year and putting the team in a better position to succeed.”
Can Zion be the Pelicans’ X-factor?
For all the changes, the Pelicans’ hopes still hinge largely on Williamson. When healthy, he has proven nearly unstoppable, averaging 24.7 points across his career. But six years in, he has played only 214 games.
As the Western Conference continues to be dominated by heavyweights like Oklahoma City, the Lakers, and the Timberwolves, the Pelicans believe their younger core — led by Zion — can grow into a playoff-caliber unit.
“Every time Zion plays, he changes the game,” Green said. “The challenge is keeping him on the floor. If we can do that, the sky’s the limit for this group.”