23
Sep
NBAxNBL 2025
Dumars on Zion: 'With greatness comes responsibility'
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 20, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Zion Williamson brings the Pelicans to Australia with fitness, dominance and durability in the spotl
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When one of the most hyped and explosive NBA No1 draft picks of all-time Zion Williamson "plays, they win" a leading basketball analyst has declared about the Australia-bound New Orleans Pelicans.
"Well, the day before I went fishing in New Orleans, I had dinner with Willie Green, and he — he talked in high esteem about Zion," ESPN's Marc Spears said.
"They were actually out here, Loyola Marymount University, the whole team working out, playing 5-on-5. He said Zion looked great, great shape, and he's showing a lot of more leadership.
"I mean this is a guy that's only played over 30 games twice in his career, missed the whole season, only played 30 games last season.
"But when Zion plays, they win. And Willie Green also said when Zion plays, he's one of the best players in the league.
"I don't deny that either. But it's always if Zion plays. And to me, like if the Pelicans want to be special in their roster — if you look at their roster, it's a lot deeper and better than I think a lot of people think.
"But Zion, a healthy Zion, has to take them there."
Since Williamson was drafted by the Pelicans out of Duke University in 2019 he has played just 214 games out of more than 470 regular season contests. With Williamson in the line-up their record is .509 and without, just .338.
The New Orleans Pelicans arrival in Australia is imminent for two games against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix next week.
Former NBA star, two-time NBA champion and now New Orleans general manager Joe Dumars said Williamson and Pelicans focus was commitment to excellence.
“Let me set the expectations for you right now, so there’s no misunderstanding: 'There’s no amount of wins. There’s no: ‘You’ve got to make the play-in', Dumars said he told the Pels coaching staff.
"None of that. ... If we play as hard as we can play every night, we’re going to get enough wins where we’re going to be happy.”
Dumars revealed his message to Williamson, 25, was: “With greatness comes responsibility.”
“There’s just been a heavy emphasis on that; just being accountable and responsible for what you do,” Dumars said.
“It’s not enough just to be talented. Zion has been great. I’ve not had any issues with him.
“Those guys have been scrimmaging for the last two three weeks, non-stop,” he said.
“I’ve seen those guys get knocked down, crash to the floor, everything.”
College Career – Duke Blue Devils (2018–19)
- Recruitment: Consensus No. 1 high school prospect, known for freakish athleticism and highlight dunks.
- Season: Played 1 year at Duke University (2018–19).
- Stats: Averaged 22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG on 68% FG.
- Achievements: Consensus National College Player of the Year (2019); ACC Player of the Year & Rookie of the Year; Naismith Award & Wooden Award winner; and Led Duke to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
- The Moment: Famously tore through his Nike shoe in a February 2019 game vs North Carolina, sparking debate about his size, power, and long-term durability.
Draft & Rookie Year (2019–20)
- Drafted: No. 1 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft.
- Rookie Season: Missed first 3 months due to knee surgery (meniscus). Debuted in January 2020.
- Highlight: Scored 22 points in 18 minutes in his debut, including 4 consecutive threes.
- Season Stats: 22.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG in 24 games.
All-Star Emergence (2020–21)
- Became an NBA All-Star in his second season.
- Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 61.1% FG in 61 games.
- Showcased dominant inside scoring, compared to Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley in efficiency and power.
Injuries & Absences (2021–22, 2022–23)
- Missed entire 2021–22 season with a fractured foot.
- Returned in 2022–23, playing 29 games at an All-Star level (26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 60.8% FG), but sidelined again with hamstring injuries.
New Orleans Pelicans Australian Tour
- Game 1: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Melbourne United - Friday, October 3, 2025 at 7.30pm AEST
- Game 2: New Orleans Pelicans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix - Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 2pm AEDT
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