Zion Williamson Welcomes High Expectations from New Pelicans Executive Joe Dumars
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METAIRIE, La. — On the eve of his seventh New Orleans Pelicans training camp, Zion Williamson said he is ready for the demanding approach that executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars plans to bring.
“He’s going to hold me accountable, and I’m excited for that,” the 25-year-old forward told reporters Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. “If I slip up, I know he’ll make sure I get back on the path.”
Dumars was hired in April, joining general manager Troy Weaver to reshape a club that finished 21-61 last season. Injuries limited Williamson to 30 appearances, part of a six-year stretch in which he has missed 268 games and played 214. Despite averaging 24.7 points per game, the former No. 1 overall pick has yet to appear in the postseason.
Offseason commitment noticed
Head coach Willie Green said Williamson has spent significant time at team headquarters, focusing on conditioning and body maintenance. Wing Trey Murphy III added that Williamson “looks good — slimmer than I’ve ever seen him during the summer.”
Williamson credited Pelicans director of performance Daniel Bove for a program that mixed boxing sessions with drills on football fields shared with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. “It feels good to feel good,” he said.
Dumars outlines expectations
The former Detroit Pistons star and 1989 NBA Finals MVP has talked with Williamson about leadership, discipline and accountability. Dumars wants the forward to address the media first after difficult games, saying, “Face questions; be respectful.”
Last season, the Pelicans went 11-41 without Williamson while also losing starters Murphy and Herb Jones to shoulder injuries and guard Dejounte Murray to an Achilles tendon injury. Dumars responded by adding 2022 Golden State Warriors champions Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole, players Williamson believes can share valuable playoff experience.
“Greatness is every day,” Williamson said. “Whatever my team needs, that’s what I’ll do.”
Source: ESPN
