The New Orleans Pelicans hope to leave behind the disappointing season ending in the Orlando ‘bubble”, and Zion Williamson is excited for a fresh start ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
The former Duke superstar is looking forward to working with Stan Van Gundy, who took over the reigns in New Orleans, after the franchise parted ways with Alvin Gentry.
(via Mark Medina of USA Today Sports):
“He’s a great guy. He’s old-school, just like my stepfather and just like Coach K,” Williamson said on his new head coach. “I feel like that will be something that I can easily relate with. Personally, I’m excited to work with him. I can see his love and passion for the game even when he’s showing me small things within the game, and I love stuff like that. I’m very excited to work with him.”
Williamson is expected to be in full strength this season, after an injury-riddled rookie campaign. Despite that, he still averaged 22.3 points on 58.3% shooting and 6.5 rebounds making his opponent feel his physical presence.
Zion believes that the injury issues are in the past, and he feels ready to lead the Pelicans to a successful 2020/21 campaign alongside Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Steven Adams.
“I tried to fit in with the team and find my place and just try not to be the rookie that messes up,” Williamson said on his first season. “There’s a lot mentally I was trying to process all at once. But starting off fresh at year two, we got a lot of new staff and new things going on around here. Hopefully we can come together quicker with that.”
