標籤: Zion

As the New Orleans Pelicans head into a crucial period of the season, a refreshed Zion Williamson didn’t need a long scouting report to explain the impact of Dejounte Murray’s return to the lineup. The All-Star and longest-tenured player in the locker room needed only one word.

Smoothie King fans can feel it, too.

“Intensity,” Williamson emphasized. “The intensity that he’s bringing to the game, and not just in the game but in practice, is off the charts. It’s been great for this team. So, you know, to make a long story short, his intensity has produced stats for us.”

The numbers support Williamson. In his first 10 games, Murray averaged 18.7 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 34% from 3-point range.
New Orleans is 5-5 with Murray in the starting lineup, but 9-5 overall since his return, a stretch that has revived optimism around a franchise that spent most of the season searching for stability.

James Borrego has credited Murray’s presence with changing the team’s defensive identity.

“So we’re competing for more shots, there’s more physicality, and we have more size on the floor. We’ve put bigger, more athletic size on the floor,” Borrego explained. “We’re more switchable, and taking away the easy things.”

Borrego pointed to some of the league’s recent success stories as a blueprint, noting that lasting improvement starts with the defense.

“That’s one thing we said during the All-Star break and we discussed it with our team,” Borrego shared. “When you look at the teams that have really made significant leaps within a year or two, Detroit, Phoenix, you can go down the line, Houston, Boston, they’ve done it through their defense. Those top 10 teams that are moving the needle in the Western Conference, they’ve done it through their defense.”

With Murray back on offense, the Pelicans have leaned into that formula. His pace control and pressure on the ball has translated into more contested possession and fewer easy scoring opportunities for opponents. And if Williamson’s assessment is correct, the foundation is less about plan and more about tone.

Intensity, as it turns out, is contagious.

The New Orleans Pelicans face the Houston Rockets on Friday. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson is Despite this, they are securing their future with the franchise. early trade rumors And injuries.

Before tip-off, Williamson A rapid increase was seen In his contract, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. As a result of playing in 51 games, Williamson’s guaranteed salary will increase from $16.9 million to $25.3 million.

Additionally, his salary before the start of the season was $42.2 million for next season, with no money for security.

This year, Williamson is averaging 21.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are 22-45 and have won seven of their last ten games.

Williamson has been with the Pelicans since being selected as the No. 1 pick out of Duke in 2019. Since then, he became an NBA All-Star twice in 2021 and 2023. In 2020, he made the All-Rookie team.

However, Williamson’s NBA career has largely been covered in bruises, criticism of their weightAs well as off-court issues such as 2025 sexual harassment allegation.

At the beginning of the season, it was reported that Williamson would be one of the players to be traded. However, the Pelicans are clearly doing everything possible to ensure that Williamson remains in the Big Easy for the long term.

On Monday, the Pelicans return home for four games. First up, they will take on the Dallas Mavericks. Then, they will play back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and Thursday. On Saturday, March 21, the Pelicans will conclude the week by playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There are many hierarchies in the NBA. Fans can debate how players can flaunt contracts, marketing deals and draft status forever. The only real ranking system that matters in the locker room is the talent component when all the chips are down. Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray have had the times of their lives over the past few years. However, for these experimental New Orleans Pelicans, Saddiq Bey has become the go-to guy when Zion Williamson’s shots aren’t falling.

James Borrego has taken notice. When asked about his approach to continuing to feed Bey into the post once a rhythm has been established, the interim coach said the players themselves often demand it.

“Yeah. Do that every time (be) in rhythm. I think most of the people posting will say that when they have that rhythm, you just have to keep doing it until they make the adjustment,” Borrego explained. “Generally, we’ve got good things whether he finds it or he throws it out, or some kind of rotation on the backside. It’s a great setter for us. So the players are telling me more than I am to get back on it. They’re going to ride Saddiq as long as they can.”

The Pelicans have shown signs of unity over the past few weeks with a fully healthy roster, stringing together wins after earlier struggles. Again, Borrego deferred all praise to the players for reading the flow on the floor.

“They’re figuring out how to play with each other because if (Tray Murphy III) gets it going, he has the awareness to go in. You know, if Saddiq turned it on or Zion stepped it up there, they knew we were going to get back on it. They deserve credit for that,” Borrego said. “Hopefully, I’ll try to help them a little bit to not ignore them.”

Everyone sees the progress. According to ESPN and NBA.com stats, Bey is now averaging 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.6% from 3-point range through 60 games. Those numbers take on extra significance when Williamson, who is averaging 21.4 points on 58.7% shooting, is kept in check.

According to Zion, it would be hard not to see the contribution.

Williamson said, “Having him on this team means a lot to us. Saddiq is a professional player.” “Whether he was in the starting lineup, when he was coming off the bench, whatever was asked of him, he accomplished it. It’s a blessing to have him on this team.”

Borrego and Williamson’s recommendations should have an impact on the front office. An unsung hero to start the season, now everyone at the Smoothie King Center is singing his praises. It will be hard for the Pelicans to ignore Bey’s agents when they try to talk about a contract extension this summer.

Zion Williamson has been dealing with injuries for quite some time and has once heard of NBA trade chatter. But the New Orleans Pelicans were trending for another reason on Wednesday: via a stunning windmill dunk over the Toronto Raptors.

Williamson ran down the court on a fastbreak and headed for the rebound alone. The former top overall NBA draft pick did not settle for a layoff. Instead he threw it down in epic, rim-rattling fashion.

zion windmill pic.twitter.com/8h4hLFbiDT

– Pelican Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) 12 March 2026

Williamson sets social media website X, formerly Twitter, on fire with his jams.

What Rotowire posted on the site was “reminiscing about his days at Duke”.

One fan started reacting after seeing Williamson enter the 2027 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Another fan commented how Williamson caused an earthquake in New Orleans.

Brandon Ingram praises Pelicans’ Zion Williamson

Another person reacted to Williamson’s big night: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram.

Except fellow ex-Duke Blue Devils shared nothing but high praise for Williamson.

“It was good to talk to him because we’ve been together for a while and we wanted to build something that could lead to a championship,” Ingram shared via Will Guillory of The Athletic. “Just meeting him and seeing where he is in his career. I’m happy for him that he’s healthy and he’s out on the basketball floor doing what he loves.”

The NBA world often sees superstars battling injuries. He even suffered an illness in early March, ending his 35-game playing streak with the Pelicans.

But Ingram doesn’t appear to be a player struggling with injuries.

Ingram said, “He’s a generational talent. Nobody can do what Zion does on the basketball field.”

Williamson suffered an ankle injury at the beginning of the month. But that ankle seemed like an afterthought after throwing a windmill.

Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the New Orleans Pelicans should consider a major decision involving Zion Williamson this offseason, suggesting that the franchise evaluate potential trade offers for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Perkins shared his perspective during a recent episode of The Road Trippin’ Show, where he discussed Williamson’s recent improved availability and the Pelicans’ long-term direction.

“If I’m the Pelicans, I’d definitely shop around this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back,” Perkins said.

“So, with this sample size of Zion, he’s not only helping the Pelicans, but I believe he’s helping himself. And I think it’s too late now…to try to rekindle this relationship and make it work and say he’s going to be our guy?”

The 25-year-old Williamson has delivered one of the healthiest seasons of his NBA career. He recently played 35 consecutive games, the longest such streak of his professional tenure, which has helped change the narrative about his durability.

In 47 games this season, including 40 starts, Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range while playing 29.6 minutes per contest.

“If I’m the Pelicans, I’ll definitely shop him this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back… It’s too late to restart this relationship.”

Kendrick Perkins thinks New Orleans should trade Zion Williamson

(via @RoadTrippinShow)pic.twitter.com/T4BJBdrjae

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

Despite Williamson’s individual production, the Pelicans have struggled to translate that performance into consistent team success. New Orleans currently sits in 13th place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-44 record, which raises questions about the organization’s long-term roster construction.

Kendrick Perkins questions Zion Williamson’s long-term future with Pelicans

Perkins acknowledged Williamson’s progress this season but questioned whether the forward should remain the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.

“Do I believe Zion can go and help and be a man for somebody? Absolutely,” Perkins said.

“Like, I believe he can be a second or third option to the main option, but he’s not a cornerstone where you really want to build your franchise.”

Perkins also credited Williamson for reshaping the conversation around his professionalism and accountability during the current season.

Perkins said, “But I believe Zion has changed the story about him.” “Shout out to him because accountability means having tough conversations with people in his circle, leaving some people in his circle, going under Bill Duffy’s wing, and being able to have that level of accountability.”

The Pelicans have not publicly indicated any intention to move Williamson, who remains one of the league’s most talented offensive players even when healthy. However, the team’s record and long-term trajectory could impact how the front office moves forward in the upcoming offseason.

For now, New Orleans is focused on finishing the season. The Pelicans are scheduled to conclude a six-game road trip on Friday night when they face the Phoenix Suns (35-27) at 9:00 pm ET.

The New York Knicks have tried to land a superstar for years. From pursuing LeBron James’ free agency in 2010 to being linked to stars like Donovan Mitchell and even Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Knicks appear to be home to one of basketball’s biggest stars and a perennial championship contender. But, that effort to acquire franchise-changing talent hindered the Knicks for several years.

In an interview with Fan Duel TV play it backFormer Knicks coach David Fizdale looks back at the 2018-2019 season, where New York went 17-65. According to him, the team was trying to land either Zion Williamson or Ja Morant in the 2019 NBA Draft, while also trying to land Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

“I was totally on board with the plan we came up with, and I thought this was the deal and this was the way to go about it. It didn’t work out… losing all the games, sacrificing our record to get Zion Williamson or Ja.

He added, “That summer our guys thought KD and Kyrie were definitely coming to us, but it didn’t work out.”

The Knicks have had some productive role players on the team, such as Luke Kornet, who is emerging as a backup center with the Spurs this season. Tim Hardaway, Courtney Lee and Enes Kanter have had productive years in the league and Kristaps Porziņš, though battling injuries, recently helped the Boston Celtics win the 2024 NBA title.

But Fizdale believed the roster construction was not really conducive to winning.

“When you look at that roster as a whole, all solid players, but when you put them on the floor together, the pieces weren’t working… If I were doing it again, I would have struggled more to make a team early on and not cash in on my record.”

Overall, Fizdale brought a different take to the conversation about tanking. The tanking discussion has been a big one throughout the season, and Fizdale offered a different perspective on it.

“That’s the hard part for coaches when you agree to tank. When you tank, you have to build something big. Not everything that happens is considered a tank… That’s not the formula.”

After an ankle-related one-game layoff, Zion Williamson wasted little time in reminding everyone what the New Orleans Pelicans look like at full strength. Williamson finished with 24 points on 10 of 18 shooting, added four rebounds and drew six fouls in 33 minutes in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the loss, it was a very encouraging bounce-back performance against LeBron James. The 25-year-old consistently attacked the rim, converting all three of his fast-break opportunities and scoring 20 of his points in the paint.

Yet Williamson’s defenders were rarely whistled for any contact, allowing only five free throw attempts. This disparity did not go unnoticed by the Pelicans. James Borrego praised Williamson’s effort in no uncertain terms after the game, but admitted growing frustration at how contact was being made when his star forward went downhill.

“(Williamson) looked good,” Borrego said. “He had a lot of pop in his step, he was aggressive, downhill. I’ve gotten to see some clips of them, but I feel like there’s a lot of contact on that as well. There’s a tough, tough whistle out there with Z running the ball. He had a lot of strength, a lot of balance. I thought he brought it on the defensive end as well, so a really good performance by him (against the Lakers).

At this point the visible frustration towards the authorities should be forgiven. Borrego is calling out the refs about the lack of calls on a nightly basis.

Payment of fine for technical glitches may be included in next month’s budget.

“Got to be disappointed,” Borrego admitted. “If I were him, I would be disappointed. It’s a question for (Williamson), but I understand it. I look at it and talk to him about it. I understand it’s a tough call, but the amount of force when he goes to the rim, it’s definitely a lot of contact. A lot of contact in my opinion. We have to do everything we can as an organization, as a team, to protect him.”

Williamson, who has heard criticism about his durability and conditioning throughout his career, addressed his mindset in an ESPN interview last week, and admitted that injuries have taken a toll. Borrego addressed the emotional hurdles the former All-Star constantly needs to overcome.

“Obviously, right now, he’s got to keep his head, his cool, but it’s extremely frustrating. I feel it, and it really happens every night. So we’ve just got to keep fighting, stick together and keep fighting. I just love his spirit and fight.”

Call it sentiment or professional pride, but the Pelicans are going to have to play this way for a long time. A loss to the LA Clippers before a loss to the Lakers practically eliminated New Orleans from any NBA play-in race. It should be a little easier to build a little chemistry with a healthy roster, even without any foul play on the part of the executives.

Lonzo Ball is currently unemployed in the NBA, as the Cleveland Cavaliers traded him in a salary dump to the Utah Jazz, who immediately waived him. There are no strong indicators at this time that Ball will sign with a team before the end of the 2025–26 regular season. Now, he’s at least as busy with his brother LiAngelo on the Ball in the Family podcast, and in the latest episode of the podcast, he was reminiscing about his days with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ball got the big break of his career when the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade. And he looks back fondly on his time with the team, especially as he considers Zion Williamson to be the best fit for him in the NBA.

“To surround with? I would probably say, bullshit, low key probably Zion. Just because I can throw him the lob anywhere and if I get him in the pocket, just match my assists. He’s lying that shit down every time,” Ball said.

But Ball says that, considering the off-court bonding, DeMar DeRozan might be his favorite partner to wear his shoes.

“Off the court, it’s tough. [But] I respect Dibo the most. If I had to choose to be like a big brother in the league, I would say him,” Ball added.

Injuries significantly slowed down Lonzo Ball’s career

Ball was emerging as a 3-and-D playmaking point guard whose only goal on the court is to play winning basketball and make his teammates better. Sadly, he was out of action for over two years due to persistent knee problems, and while he looked good for the Chicago Bulls during the ’24-’25 season, his performance so far this season has been poor – so the Cavs decided to trade him.

At only 28 years old, perhaps Ball will get another chance to prove he deserves to remain in the NBA.

When highly optimistic Zion Williamson limped off the court in Utah with another ankle injury, the familiar fear that had eclipsed his career resurfaced. Another blow that resulted in the game being lost. Another story about availability, another cause for concern for the New Orleans Pelicans. Luckily, Williamson’s personal trainer Chris Crisp quickly reassured fans that the All-Star forward’s latest injury is just a setback that doesn’t deserve much media scrutiny.

Crisp, who is pulling double duty as a PR champion as well as training the 25-year-old phenom, posted a quick cool message to fans shortly after Williamson’s passing.

“In the past, it became a two-week story,” he said. “This year, it’s just a game and then get back to work. That’s growth. Availability isn’t luck; it’s the result of deliberate preparation and the discipline to be consistent.”

As far as sitting against the Clippers?

“Precautionary decision. We’re not chasing streaks. We’re building longevity. That’s the standard. See you all soon.”

The importance of a good public relations response cannot be underestimated. Before he could counter the negative narratives with some direct answers, he had fans rooting for Williamson simply by going over social media posts. This is something that has been suggested by many people for many years.

Thankfully for fans, even after years in the dark, Williamson finally felt comfortable stepping into the spotlight to address the situation directly.

“I looked in the mirror,” Williamson told ESPN. “It was ‘Am I doing what I need to do to stay on the court?’ Even if I feel like I’m doing a lot, there’s still more I can do. My trainer Chris is always telling me about different things and recovery methods.

Even broadcaster Antonio Daniels had to appreciate the work of Williamson and Crisp while on the road.

Daniels explained, “There are a lot of people who deserve credit for…34 games. First of all, you give credit to the New Orleans Pelicans’ performance staff, but also Chris Crisp, who is Zion’s personal trainer.” “He’s doing a great job physically and mentally. You can see it playing between the four lines. (Williamson) being available, him being active, him being impactful, is a beautiful thing.”

For a player whose career has often been defined by injuries as well as highlights, missing even one game can raise anxiety levels. However, this time, those closest to Zion Williamson say the situation is under control and it is far from becoming another long saga for the Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night to face a Los Angeles Lakers team that has won each of its last three games. They have overturned a three-game losing streak on the back of some extremely impressive shooting and will look to extend their run against New Orleans.

For the Pelicans, a lot depends on the status of Zion Williamson, who claimed in his recent interview with ESPN that he is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury. However, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints, this has proven enough to change his status to ‘doubtful’.

The Pelicans say Zion Williamson (right ankle sprain) is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Lakers.

He recently told ESPN that he “hopes to be back” for the L.A. matchup. pic.twitter.com/XUxZMjPaEm

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 3 March 2026

Williamson suffered the injury during Friday’s win over the Utah Jazz and had to sit out Sunday’s 137-117 loss to the Clippers, a loss that snapped New Orleans’ four-game winning streak. Despite recent improvement, the Pelicans continue to struggle.

They are 19-43 for the season and are in 13th place in the Western Conference, ten wins away from the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers and need a turnaround in fortunes to reach the postseason.

Zion Williamson’s injury status vs. Lakers

While the questionable tag is a concern, Zion himself expects to play, and barring any late incidents, fans can expect him to at least be involved off the bench.

Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Monday, Williamson said,

“I look forward to being back tomorrow against the Lakers.”

Before suffering an ankle injury, Zion was in the midst of his most durable stretch as a professional, playing a career-high 35 consecutive games. On the season, he is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting over 58% from the field overall.

Despite this, the Lakers (36-24) have found their rhythm and enter the night as winners of two straight blowouts. They have won nine of the last 10 meetings against New Orleans and are looking for another straight win at home.

pelicans injury report

Zion Williamson (sprained right ankle): Questionable

Trey Alexander (G-League Two-Way): Out

Hunter Dickinson (G-League Two-Way): Out

lakers injury report

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The New Orleans Pelicans have been playing some better basketball lately, Dejounte Murray recently returned from an Achilles injury and the team is slowly but surely making its way up the standings. Perhaps the most surprising development over the past few months for New Orleans has been Zion Williamson’s ability to stay on the court consistently.

Recently, Williamson got 100% honest about how he envisions the Pelicans’ identity moving forward.

“We’re building our own identity. We’ve dealt with injuries, coaching changes… despite all that, our energy is still high, we have a positive locker room. It’s ‘What’s next?’ It’s ‘How do we build from this?'” Williamson said via ESPN, per the Pelicans Film Room.

Sadly, injuries have been a major part of Williamson’s NBA story so far, with the former number one overall draft pick constantly being sidelined due to various ailments, most of which are related to his feet.

When he is on the court, Williamson remains a terror to opposing defenses, able to consistently attack the basket and finish at the rim, while also being a threat on the offensive glass.

However, persistent foot injuries throughout his career have threatened to derail the athleticism that was once his hallmark, and he has missed several seasons so far in his career.

Still, it’s certainly a positive sign that he’s able to remain on the court consistently as the calendar turns to 2025-26, though it’s unclear whether the Pelicans’ front office, who recently traded a potential 2026 lottery pick in exchange for fellow big man Derrick Queen, still views Williamson as part of the team’s long-term plans.

In any case, the Pelicans are scheduled to take the field on Tuesday evening for a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without the services of tackle forward Zion Williamson for Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles.

With the former Duke Blue Devils running back out of that contest due to a lower-body injury, his personal best streak in NBA games played has ended, as reported by NBA insider Marc Stein.

“After playing a career-high 35 consecutive games, New Orleans’ Zion Williamson (right ankle sprain) has been carted off the field against the LA Clippers,” Stein, formerly of the X, wrote via a social media post on Twitter.

Williamson, 25, suffered an ankle injury in the first half of last Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. He exited that game in the second quarter and did not return.

Before leaving, he scored four points on 1-for-2 shooting with two assists and one rebound in just 11 minutes of action. Despite the former No. 1 overall pick being absent the rest of the way, the Pelicans found a way to defeat the Jazz 115–105, extending their winning streak to four games.

If New Orleans is to keep that undefeated run alive this Sunday, it will have to fill the huge void left by Williamson, who is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 58.5 percent from the field so far in the 2025-26 NBA regular season.

Williamson’s availability in the NBA has been significantly reduced due to injuries. He has yet to play a full season and has only appeared in 61 games or fewer in four of his first five campaigns since turning professional.

The New Orleans Pelicans continued their improved play as they earned their fourth straight win with a 115-105 win against the Utah Jazz on Saturday. However, one of the major concerns after the game was the status of Pelicans star Zion Williamson, who left the game due to injury. According to ESPN, Pelicans head coach James Borrego had no update on Williamson’s status moving forward.

“Hopefully it’s nothing serious, and we’ll have him back very soon,” Borrego said.

James Borrego also said it was an ankle injury that occurred when Zion Williamson turned it slightly during the second quarter of the Pelicans’ win against the Jazz. Williamson exited the game and did not return. He finished with four points, one rebound and two assists in only 11 minutes of play. He was 1 of 2 from the field and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line.

Although Williamson has struggled with injuries throughout his NBA career so far, he has remained relatively healthy this season. Since he was forced to opt out of the 2021–22 season due to injury, Williamson has played more than 30 games in a season only once. It was in 2023–24 when he appeared in a career-high 70 games. This year, he had already played in 45 games before the latest injury.

The Pelicans are on the second night of a back-to-back against the LA Clippers on Sunday, and the final update on Williamson’s status likely won’t come until just before game tip-off.

Williamson was playing nearly 29 minutes per game, averaging 21.5 points. He never averaged less than 20 points per season. He also averaged 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals while splitting 58.5 percent shooting from the field, 25 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 71.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The best clichés are sports-based for a reason, especially about defense. Strange comparisons and similes go on and on. With the NFL Combine coming up soon, James Borrego referenced some Hall of Fame greats when he talked about how Herb Jones and Draymond Green control a game. Zion Williamson received a mention for how the New Orleans Pelicans hope to reach the frontline game moving forward before defeating the Golden State Warriors.

Breaking down what makes elite defensive players so rare and difficult to replicate. Finding a match for the Rooster is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“In my 23 years in the NBA there have been very few guys who have impacted the defensive end in general like Draymond Green. His ability to communicate and light a fire is second to none. (Green) quarterbacks the entire defense. He’s as close to Lawrence Taylor as we’ve seen in the NBA,” Borrego began. “I mean, that guy from that outside linebacker position, Mike Singletary, I think I’d put those two guys, that’s what Drummond has done for his defense.”

Green’s value extends far beyond the stat sheet, which the Warriors routinely acknowledge when times get tough.

Word has spread around, even without Drummond shouting about it.

“Steve Kerr has said this many times. Without (Green), there’s no championship,” Borrego said. “He brings a different edge with his ability to communicate and talk, his physical ability and the way he covers his teammates.”

Borrego sees a similar football spirit in his locker room. Jones, the 2022-23 All-Defensive first-team selection, known around the NBA as the Not-On-Herb Nightmare, has a similar innate mastery.

Borrego admitted, “(The Pelicans) have a guy like that. I think Herb Jones has this ability, this innate ability.” “I don’t even know if you can teach it. I don’t know where Draymond got it, and I don’t know where Herb got it. It’s probably a combination of growing up and how they grew up playing different sports.”

It helps to have a Monsters of the Midway attitude on the field or court. Most are born with it. Any coach who claims to have a competitive recipe that ends up like Draymond or Herb is either already rich and protecting a nearly priceless secret or is defrauding AAU parents.

“Maybe he had a coach along the way. Maybe it’s a little bit of a cerebral thing, where he can see a fire before it starts and go put it out. (Green’s) ability to cover for Steph and Klay, everything that happens in the works, it’s hard to find guys like that.”

When it comes to being above class, Drummond has truly earned the one-name star status reserved for the elite.

Borrego knows from being around NBA Hall of Famers for a while.

Borrego confessed, “I’ve been around some great guards like Bruce Bowen and Kawhi Leonard. Individually, one-on-one, they’re amazing. Drummond is different for me in the sense that he’s more ball-minded.” “He’s quarterbacking the ball and changing stuff on the fly. He’s listening like in football, you’re making audibles on the fly in the heat of battle. Most guys can’t do that. Herb Jones is probably the closest thing I’ve seen where he can go up to a defense and make it his own.”

For Jones, Football Comp changes him from a disruptive outside linebacker to a classic middle linebacker. Any coach with an eye knows what to do with the type who chases by anticipating everything.

“Turn him loose. (Jones) is a really special, really special player. From a defensive standpoint I would say Herb is a type of cerebral defender, middle linebacker, Brian Urlacher, those type of guys who can make plays intuitively. They have a sense of what’s going to happen, and they handle it.”

The analogies weren’t limited to second lines, though, which is why New Orleans is famous. Dancing in front of the Dome Patrol or a parade, doesn’t matter. When discussing rim protection, Borrego turned to the trenches, and used DeAndre Jordan as a prime example of a nose tackle controlling the line of scrimmage.

“I think DeAndre Jordan has been interesting,” Borrego continued. “I’m not sure where you’d put him there, but his ability to protect the rim, be he a nose tackle or be the guy right in the middle of the floor, like the line of scrimmage. (Jordan) is going to own the line of scrimmage. To me, that’s how guarding the paint is done in a football context. Really owning the line of scrimmage. You’re going to win the running game. Those small margins, like the running game, are really important there. Are.

As for Zion Williamson, like everyone else, Borrego believes the forward’s rare blend of strength and athleticism will easily translate to the football field.

“And then (Williamson). I would probably find (a football comp) for Zion as well. That’s not what I have in mind, but his ability to make instinctive, athletic, power plays at any given time. Zion is on the football field, too. I mean, he can do that, you know, really as a defensive end.”

The Pelicans don’t need any more injuries, so don’t expect Zion to compete with the Saints this summer. Soccer is all fun and games during free time until someone gets hurt.

The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night and it will mark many special occasions for the franchise’s players.

First and foremost, guard Dejounte Murray will make his long-awaited return to the basketball court in January 2025 after missing a total of 13 months due to a torn right Achilles tendon.

Head coach James Borrego said before the game, Murray would play and be on a one-minute limit in the game.

But Tuesday night will also mark a milestone for forward Zion Williamson. Duke’s former number one player has suffered a number of injuries since entering the league in 2019, and everyone is hoping he will finally turn a corner this season.

Tuesday night will mark Williamson’s 26th consecutive start, a new career high for the Pelicans forward.

Zion Williamson is set to make his 26th consecutive start tonight, which would be the longest of his career.

– MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) 24 February 2026

So far, Zion Williamson has played in 42 of the Pelicans’ 58 games this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.

According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, Friday’s game against the Bucks was the 41st game of the season for Zion Williamson, who triggered a $16.8 million contract guaranteed for the 2026-27 season.

If Williamson is able to play eight more games to reach 51 after tonight, his contract guarantees will increase to $25.3 million. If he plays 61 games it will jump to $33.7 million.

If Williamson plays 61 games and meets certain weight criteria, he can fully guarantee the $42.2 million he is owed for the 2026–27 season.

The Pelicans have 24 games remaining on Tuesday, meaning Williamson will have to play in 19 of the final 24 games to have a chance to fully guarantee a deal next season.

In his seven seasons in the NBA, Zion Williamson has played 24 games in his rookie season, 61 in his second season, did not play at all in the 2021-22 season, 29 games in his third season, 70 games in his fourth season, and 30 games in his fifth season.

The New Orleans Pelicans enter Friday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks with more at stake. Zion Williamson’s contract incentives have been in focus because the game milestones he has played hold major financial implications for the franchise cornerstone.

Williamson has appeared in 40 games this season and is in the midst of a 30-game streak without losing a contest. If he plays against the Bucks, that run will reach 31 straight games. His continued availability has reframed the conversation around the salary guarantees built into his contract.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein pointed to the sustainability achievement at X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, emphasizing how different this season is from last year.

“If Zion Williamson plays against Milwaukee on Friday, it will be his 31st consecutive game without a miss for the Pelicans.

Williamson played a total of 30 games last season.

Stein said the sixth-year veteran has already surpassed last season’s total appearances. This consistency keeps him one game away from a significant contractual trigger.

Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan expanded on Stein’s report later on stage, explaining how Friday’s Pelicans vs. Bucks contest could secure enough guaranteed money.

“Zion Williamson is guaranteed to make $16.9 million (40 percent) of his 2026-27 salary when he suits up for his 41st game of the season tomorrow.

If he plays 51 games he will get an additional $8.4 million (20 percent) and if he plays 61 games he will get an additional $8.4 million (20 percent).

Gozlan’s breakdown details the structure of Williamson’s contract, which ties parts of his 2026-27 salary to specific games-played caps. Upon reaching 41 games, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft will secure approximately 40 percent of that season’s base salary.

If he stays healthy, reaching games 51 and 61 would guarantee additional millions. For the Pelicans, who are ranked 14th in the Western Conference, sustainability provides stability and long-term clarity while increasing their future financial commitment.

Therefore, the importance of Friday’s match is more than the standings. It represents an important checkpoint in Williamson’s season, blending performance, health and long-term salary security in one appearance.