The Pelicans season begins tomorrow tonight in Brooklyn as all-stars Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons make their returns after missing all of last season. Williamson will provide a spark to a talented Pels roster that made it out of the play-in tournament as the 8 seed last year. The former number-one overall pick said he’s excited to rejoin the team and thinks they have a special group this year.
“I love away games. We’re starting the season off on the road against a great team. I think we got a special team here, so I’m excited to see how we do.”
Williamson has averaged 26 points a game on 60 percent from the field and 7 rebounds over his 85-game career with New Orleans. Pelicans Coach Willie Green said his physical abilities are impressive, but his love for the game and basketball IQ are what truly make him special.
“His size, his speed, his strength, I don’t think he gets enough credit for his IQ, very smart basketball player, understands how to make correct passes, who’s open, how to get open, you just don’t see a lot of guys like Z.”
New Orleans went 13-10 after the All-Star Break, earning a spot in the play-in tournament and eventually a postseason berth against Phoenix. Despite the first-round exit, their late-season success and playoff production from rookie standouts along with Zion’s return have created massive hype for this season from both fans and national media. Coach Green says the team needs to focus more on their preparation than the attention if they want to win big this year.
“We can contest shots. We can make sure that we guard the ball and our pick and roll coverages are sound. Offensively, we can play fast. We can share the ball, and we want to have an opportunity to win big. Those things allow us to do it. Not really focusing on what’s being said about us, but focusing on the work that allows us opportunities to win games.”
The season tips off tomorrow night at 6:30.
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