Pelicans banking on Mosley to unlock Williamson’s full potential
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Jamahl Mosley, formally introduced Tuesday as the New Orleans Pelicans’ new head coach, said his first order of business is maximizing All-Star forward Zion Williamson.
“He hasn’t even scratched the surface of the things he can do,” Mosley told reporters. “Opening the floor, putting him in different spots—he’s an excellent basketball player with a high IQ who makes everyone around him better.”
Targeting more space for Zion
Mosley plans to give Williamson wider lanes to the rim and more trips to the foul line. The 23-year-old averaged 21.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 62 appearances last season, the second-highest games-played total of his career. He has been limited to 30 games or fewer in three of his seven seasons and missed all of 2021/22 because of injuries.
“Creating space so he can live at the free throw line consistently is key,” Mosley added. “What he’s already done here is spectacular; we just need to keep him healthy.”
Bickerstaff endorses the hire
Mosley’s close friend J.B. Bickerstaff, now coaching the Detroit Pistons, believes the move benefits New Orleans. “That organization is headed in the right direction,” Bickerstaff told NOLA.com. “With Jamahl’s personality, his ability to coach and organize, I feel like that team can take a step this year.”
Workaholic reputation
Former teammates and league executives describe Mosley as relentless. One anonymous front-office official said the coach “reset the culture in Orlando by establishing a defensive identity and demanding accountability,” turning the Magic from a bottom-five defense into one of the league’s best.
Staff roles set
Four assistants moved with Mosley to New Orleans:
- God Shammgod – player development plus in-game planning and adjustments
- Bret Brielmaier – offensive coordinator
- Dale Osbourne – defensive coordinator
- Randy Gregory – head of player development
Mosley and his staff will lead the Pelicans into training camp this fall, aiming to build on last season’s 49-33 record and first-round playoff exit.
Source: Hoops Rumors
